A 10-month organized crime investigation has led to one of the largest seizures in the history of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), netting more than $7 million in illicit drugs, 17 firearms and more than $1 million in cash.
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The province-wide drug trafficking operation targeted a network that used vehicles outfitted with hidden compartments to transport cash and illicit drugs primarily between Edmonton and Calgary.
Six homes across Edmonton, Calgary, St. Albert and Sturgeon County were searched on July 16, marking the latest phase of an investigation that began in November 2025.
Officers seized 66.5 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated $6.65 million, along with 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly 3,500 suspected fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2.3 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms.
Police also seized $1,156,863 in cash — the largest cash seizure in ALERT’s 20-year history — and eight vehicles as offence-related property. ALERT officials say they will be consulting with the province’s Civil Forfeiture Office regarding the seized property and money.
Seventeen firearms, including six handguns and 11 rifles, were also recovered. They have been sent to the provincial Firearms Solutions Lab for ballistics testing to determine if they are linked to other criminal investigations.
Several suspects were arrested during the operation, though no charges have been laid yet as investigators finalize disclosure reports for Crown counsel.
The investigation was led by ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime unit in collaboration with the Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service and the RCMP.
Anyone with information about suspected drug or gang activity is urged to contact local police or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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