Police have successfully shut down a major fentanyl operation in northern Alberta, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant amount of the deadly drug.
According to authorities, the operation was based in the city of Grande Prairie and was responsible for distributing large quantities of fentanyl throughout the region. The investigation, which began in early 2020, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and culminated in a series of coordinated raids on October 28th.
During the raids, police arrested six individuals and seized over 1,000 fentanyl pills, as well as a significant amount of cash and other drug paraphernalia. The suspects, who have not been named, are facing a variety of charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in Alberta in recent years. In 2019, there were 904 fentanyl-related deaths in the province, a 25% increase from the previous year.
In a statement, RCMP Superintendent Peter Tewfik emphasized the importance of this operation in combatting the fentanyl crisis. “This is a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in northern Alberta and will undoubtedly save lives,” he said.
The success of this operation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies in the fight against the illegal drug trade. Police will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these operations, in order to protect our communities from the devastating effects of fentanyl.
Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. Together, we can make a difference in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.
