Fort McMurray… One man has been arrested and $2,200 worth of cash and drugs have been seized after ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team wrapped up a three-month investigation.
On August 8, 2018, ALERT investigators arrested a male suspect outside a business in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. At the time of the arrest, between the suspect and his vehicle, they were able to seize:
16 grams of cocaine;
4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
20 Oxycodone tablets; and
$380 cash proceeds of crime.
Duncan McLeod, 22, has been charged with:
trafficking a controlled substance (x2);
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
possession of a controlled substance (x2); and
possession of proceeds of crime.
McLeod was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Fort McMurray on August 28.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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Notice to Media: A photo of the goods seized is available for download: Photo
Fort McMurray… Four people, including a Toronto man wanted for attempted murder, have been arrested in Fort McMurray for allegedly trafficking fentanyl.
ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime team made the arrest on August 23, 2018, when an apartment in the 100-block of Loutit Road was searched. The RCMP K-Division Emergency Response Team and RCMP Wood Buffalo provided assistance.
ALERT seized fentanyl and cocaine worth an estimated $80,000, along with a handgun. The 9mm handgun had its serial number removed and will be submitted for further testing and analysis.
“Fentanyl and firearms pose a high degree of risk to the community, especially in the wrong hands,” said Sgt. Brad Lundeen, ALERT Fort McMurray.
The evidence seized included:
226 grams of suspected fentanyl powder;
38 grams of powder cocaine;
8 grams of crack cocaine;
packaging materials, scales, and drug trafficking paraphernalia; and
$6,000 cash proceeds of crime.
Four suspects were arrested with each facing multiple drug charges:
Yashin Mahad Ali, a 23-year-old man from Toronto;
Awale Hosh Dirie, a 25-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Hasin Abdulkadir Mohamed, a 23-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Samatar Mohiadin, a 20-year-old man of no fixed address.
At the time of his arrest, Ali was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for his alleged role in a 2016 attempted murder that took place in Toronto. ALERT has been in contact with Toronto Police Service to facilitate his return to Ontario.
ALERT began its investigation earlier in the month after receiving information about suspected drug trafficking near the home.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2
Fort McMurray… An arrest warrant has been issued for Jeffrey Caines after ALERT seized fentanyl and a handgun from a Fort McMurray residence.
ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team seized 42 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, a loaded handgun with its serial number removed, and ammunition as the result of a drug trafficking investigation.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Jeffery Caines, 45, of Fort McMurray.
The seizure resulted from a search warrant executed at a home in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood on December 15, 2018. Wood Buffalo RCMP provided assistance.
One person was arrested when the search warrant took place. A 37-year-old woman was arrested inside the residence and charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, five firearms-related offences, and causing a child to be drug endangered.
There were two children living at the home where the fentanyl was found. The accused is not being named in order to protect the children’s identity.
Meanwhile, ALERT has issued a warrant for Caines. The 45-year-old man is suspected of being involved in drug trafficking activities and has previous criminal convictions for similar offences.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Edmonton… Inspector Chad Coles of the RCMP has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ALERT. Coles will be the officer in charge of the provincially funded, integrated unit that addresses organized and serious crime across Alberta.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources, including officers with Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP. ALERT’s integrated teams investigate everything from drug trafficking to child exploitation to gang violence.
“I’d like to congratulate Insp. Chad Coles on his appointment of Chief Executive Officer of ALERT. His career leading organized crime teams throughout the province, as well as more than two decades with the RCMP, will enable him to lead this vital team of specialized units. The valuable work ALERT does is an integral part of ensuring the safety of all Albertans,” said Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
Coles has been with ALERT since 2015 and oversaw the regional organized crime teams based in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer. His appointment was made official at the ALERT Board of Directors meeting in March.
“On behalf of the ALERT Board of Directors, I wish to congratulate Insp. Coles. I know he will continue to grow ALERT, expand on the strong relationships with our policing partners, and build upon the legacy left behind by Supt. Charmaine Bulger,” said Board chair Don Johnson.
Coles is a 21-year member of the RCMP with a third of his career spent as a member of integrated units. Prior to ALERT, Coles was a member of Saskatchewan’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement unit and spent time in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Nipawin, and Cumberland House. Coles grew up in Moose Jaw.
Coles replaces Superintendent Charmaine Bulger, who recently retired after 35 year career with the RCMP.
Since being formed in 2006, ALERT teams from across the province have made nearly 10,000 arrests, seized $595 million worth of harmful drugs, and have taken 1,200 firearms out of the hands of criminals.
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Notice to media: High-resolution photos of Insp. Coles are available for download: Horizontal | Vertical
Fort McMurray… Two recent ALERT investigations have taken nearly a kilogram and a half of cocaine off the streets of Fort McMurray. Six people were arrested in separate investigations.
ALERT’s organized crime and gang team in Fort McMurray seized nearly $150,000 worth of cocaine. The seizures came with the assistance of Wood Buffalo RCMP, and are part of a concentrated effort to disrupt drug trafficking activities in the community.
“The amount of cocaine seized in these two investigations is significant for a safe community like Fort McMurray,” said Insp. David Dubnyk of ALERT. “Along with getting a gun off the street, these arrests will benefit community safety.”
On May 3, 2017, a home was searched on Manning Avenue, where investigators found 612 grams of crack cocaine, one kilogram of a cocaine buffing agent, and $2,000 cash proceeds of crime.
Two people were arrested and jointly charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking:
Mohamed Omar, a 24-year-old man from Fort McMurray; and
Bayan Idris, a 27-year-old man from Fort McMurray.
On May 9, 2017, search warrants were carried out on two Timberlea homes and a vehicle. ALERT seized a shotgun, 860 grams of cocaine, and $10,000 cash proceeds of crime.
Four people were arrested and charged with 11 drug-related offences:
Jordan Steele, a 33-year-old man from Edmonton;
Travis Ferko, a 25-year-old man from Edmonton;
Kyle Koehn, a 25-year-old man from Edmonton; and
Devyn Smith, a 21-year-old woman from Edmonton.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is encouraged to contact Fort McMurray’s dedicated gang tipline at 780-788-GANG.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to Media: A photo of the goods seized in these investigations is available for download: Photo
Fort McMurray… One suspected drug dealer has been arrested but ALERT is looking for an additional suspect following a drug raid that took place in Fort McMurray.
Mohamed Mehdi Assiani is wanted by police for his suspected role in a Fort McMurray drug trafficking operation. (Click for higher-resolution photo.)
Mohamed Mehdi Assiani, 34, is wanted by police for his suspected role in a Fort McMurray drug trafficking operation. He is wanted on charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, impersonation with intent, utter a forged document, and obstruction.
Assiani is known to use the alias “Alexandre Kouvrigin” and investigators believe he may be in the Edmonton area. He is not considered a risk to the public, but should not be approached. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call the Fort McMurray gang tipline at 780-788-GANG(4264) or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS(8477).
ALERT alleges that Assiani and co-accused Jordan Molina-Samuels, 27, were trafficking cocaine out of an apartment in the Gregoire neighbourhood. ALERT’s organized crime team, with the help of RCMP Wood Buffalo, searched the apartment on October 5, 2017 and seized more than 250 grams of cocaine, $7,500 cash proceeds of crime, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia. Two vehicles were also seized.
Molina-Samuels was arrested while leaving the residence. He has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to Media: Photo of goods seized is available for download: Photo
Fort McMurray… Powdered fentanyl and a firearm have been seized following an ALERT drug trafficking investigation in Fort McMurray. It is alleged the fentanyl was being sold as heroin.
ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team made the seizure on March 21, 2018, with the help of Wood Buffalo RCMP. The drugs and firearm were found in a lower townsite apartment and two people were arrested.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Bobby Jo Gladue, seen in this photo.
A total of 18.4 grams of fentanyl were seized. The manner in which the drugs were packaged and sold leads investigators to believe the fentanyl was being sold as heroin.
“The drug game is inherently dangerous and the risk to community safety is compounded when fentanyl and firearms are involved,” said Sgt. Brad Lundeen of ALERT Fort McMurray.
A .22-caliber rifle was seized, along with ammunition and $1,530 cash proceeds of crime.
Two people have been arrested thus far and a warrant has been issued for a third suspect. Lindsay Boyd, a 31-year-old man from Edmonton, was charged with multiple drug and firearms offences. Kyla Boulin, a 26-year-old woman from Fort McMurray, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Meanwhile, an arrest warrant has been issued for Bobby Jo Gladue. The 36-year-old man from Edmonton is wanted for fentanyl trafficking.
Anyone with information on Gladue’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Fort McMurray gang tipline at 780-788-GANG (4264) or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS (8477).
ALERT’s investigation began in December 2017 after information was received about fentanyl trafficking in the Fort McMurray area.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notices to media:
A high-resolution of goods seized is available for download: Photo
A photo of Bobby Jo Gladue is available for download: Photo
Edmonton… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit has arrested a 60-year-old Fort McMurray man for child pornography offences. The suspect was an employee of Alberta Children’s Services.
The 60-year-old from Fort McMurray was arrested on April 11, 2018, in Leduc, Alta. Henry Victor Haineault has been charged with two counts each of possessing and accessing child pornography.
The offences relate to child pornography photos that were discovered on his work computers – both as an employee of the Children’s Services office in High Level, and his previous position with the Athabasca Tribal Council Child and Family Services.
BELOW: Cpl. Cameron Dunn of the ICE Unit speaks about this case
While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, the nature of Haineault’s employment put him in direct contact with children. ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.
Alberta Children’s Services has been cooperating with the ICE investigation, which began in November 2017. Haineault’s work computers and devices were seized in January 2018 and were searched by ICE forensic technicians. Thousands of child pornography photos were located.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
Edmonton… A total of eight firearms – including assault rifles, suppressors, and over-capacity magazines – were seized as the result of an ALERT investigation in Edmonton and Fort McMurray.
ALERT’s Edmonton organized crime and gang team seized the high-powered firearms following an investigation that primarily focused on two brothers. Alexander and Ryan Kurkut, both 27 years old, were arrested on May 18, 2018, and charged with numerous firearms offences.
ALERT’s investigation into the brothers’ involvement in organized crime resulted in the seizure of the following items from their home in southwest Edmonton and a storage facility:
a Remington .223-calibre rifle;
a Norinco Type 97 5.56-calibre rifle with its serial number removed;
a Norinco M14 .308-calibre rifle;
a Springfield XDM 9mm handgun with its serial number removed and a threaded barrel;
a suppressor;
two-over capacity magazines;
64 rounds of ammunition; and
fraudulent identity documents.
Both brothers have lifetime firearms prohibitions as the result of previous criminal convictions.
Meanwhile, an associate of the brothers, Nicolas Moores, was also implicated in the investigation for similar offences. The 26-year-old was arrested in Fort McMurray and, at the time of his arrest, he had a loaded handgun tucked into his waistband. Additional firearms were seized from his southwest Edmonton home.
The following items were seized in Edmonton:
a loaded 9mm handgun;
a loaded .22-calibre handgun that was previously reported stolen;
a handgun;
a loaded .223-calibre SKS rifle with an over-capacity magazine;
a bulletproof vest with ballistic plates; and
drug trafficking paraphernalia.
ALERT’s investigation began in fall 2017 after information was received about the accused’s involvement in organized crime and possession of illegal firearms. A number of partner agencies provided assistance including Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, ALERT Fort McMurray, Wood Buffalo RCMP, Service Alberta, Vancouver Police, and Crime Stoppers.
The Kurkut brothers have been jointly charged with 38 offences. Their charges include a number of firearms offences, as well as possession of forged identity documents. They have been released from custody and are expected back in court on June 13, 2018.
Moores faces 23 charges related to firearms.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to Media: Photos of the firearms and goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3
Edmonton… A cocaine trafficking network operating out of Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Fort McMurray has been dismantled following a lengthy ALERT investigation.
Project Fortune resulted in the seizure of more than $1 million worth of cocaine and cash, as well as 49 criminal charges being laid against seven suspects. The investigation unfolded over 16 months and concluded with arrests on July 26, 2018.
Project Fortune targeted wholesale cocaine trafficking in northern Alberta communities. ALERT conducted search warrants at three homes in north Edmonton and two residences in Fort McMurray. A total of eight kilograms of cocaine was seized, along with $215,000 cash proceeds of crime.
One of the Edmonton homes, located in the Eaux Claires neighbourhood, is believed to have been used to package and press cocaine for street-level sales.
The investigation was launched in March 2017 as the result of intelligence sharing between Strathcona Country RCMP and ALERT. Information was provided that the since-closed Barbero Barbershop in Sherwood Park was involved in cocaine trafficking.
When that information was received, ALERT launched a comprehensive investigation. A number of specialized police techniques and resources were deployed to infiltrate and ultimately dismantle the group.
ALERT alleges the cocaine trafficking network operated under the direction of Ali Ameen Elamki, 27, and Mohamed Rachid Torbeih, 33. The two Edmonton men face a number of criminal charges, including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and committing an indictable offence for the benefit of a criminal organization. Torbeih is also charged with instructing a person to commit an indictable offence for the benefit of a criminal organization.
A total of 49 charges have been laid. The five other people arrested filled various roles within the alleged criminal network:
Ryan Arthur Jones, a 21-year-old man from Edmonton;
Jamil Mohamed Razian, a 33-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Mohamed Mounir Torbeih, a 29-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Sidney Chudek, a 21-year-old man from Edmonton; and
Ismail Hajar, a 30-year-old man from Edmonton.
ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team spearheaded the investigation, but a number of partner agencies provided assistance, including: Wood Buffalo RCMP; Strathcona County RCMP; the Edmonton Police Service; ALERT Edmonton; and St. Albert RCMP.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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Notices to Media:
A detailed rundown of the charges laid is available for download in PDF format: Charges
Photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2
The Project Fortune logo is available for download: Logo
Fort McMurray… One man has been arrested and $2,200 worth of cash and drugs have been seized after ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team wrapped up a three-month investigation.
On August 8, 2018, ALERT investigators arrested a male suspect outside a business in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. At the time of the arrest, between the suspect and his vehicle, they were able to seize:
16 grams of cocaine;
4 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
20 Oxycodone tablets; and
$380 cash proceeds of crime.
Duncan McLeod, 22, has been charged with:
trafficking a controlled substance (x2);
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
possession of a controlled substance (x2); and
possession of proceeds of crime.
McLeod was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Fort McMurray on August 28.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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Notice to Media: A photo of the goods seized is available for download: Photo
Fort McMurray… A kilogram of cocaine was seized by ALERT following a traffic stop on Highway 63. Two people from Edmonton were arrested.
ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime and gang team, with the assistance of Edmonton Police Service and Spruce Grove RCMP, made the seizure on January 15, 2019. The vehicle departed the Edmonton area and a planned vehicle stop was conducted on Highway 63 after investigators received information about suspected drug trafficking activity.
The cocaine seized has an estimated street value of $100,000.
“This seizure represents a lot of harmful doses that have been prevented from hitting the streets of Fort McMurray,” said Sgt. Brad Lundeen, ALERT. “Cocaine fuels a range of associated crime; from property offences to violent acts. ALERT works diligently to undermine the impact of organized crime on our community.”
Harley Perrow, a 34-year-old man, and Melissa Stickles, a 31-year-old woman, were each charged with drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Fort McMurray… Fifteen suspected drug dealers have been implicated in a series of ALERT organized crime and gang investigations in Fort McMurray. Ten suspects have been arrested thus far, and warrants are being issued for five more.
The investigations took place between December 2018 and February 2019, with the help of Wood Buffalo RCMP. A total of four Fort McMurray homes were searched, with the most recent search warrant being executed on February 21, 2019.
Altogether, more than $29,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized. A total of 37 criminal charges have been laid against 15 people, with the majority of the charges being directly related to drug trafficking.
“These investigations have added up to make a big impact on organized crime in Fort McMurray,” said Insp. Sean Boser, officer in charge of ALERT’s regional teams. “ALERT is committed to working with our partners to keep the streets of communities across Alberta safe.”
In total, items seized during the investigations included:
The following people were arrested and charged during the investigations:
Christopher Abdou, a 29-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Mackenzie Flemming, a 21-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Ibrahim Dia, a 29-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Christopher Dombrosky, a 44-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Patrick O’Brien, a 30-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Scott Jones, a 48-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Daniel DeGroot, a 39-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Brock Loveday, a 43-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Kelsy Balsor, an 18-year-old woman from Fort McMurray; and
Sebastian Bush-Jadavji, a 19-year-old man from Edmonton.
Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued or are in the process of being issued for:
Jonathan Searle, a 30-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Levi Matheson, a 32-year-old man from Edmonton;
Colin Keating, a 39-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Fabian Johnson, a 19-year-old man from Edmonton; and
a 22-year-old man from Fort McMurray.
Anyone with information on these individuals’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact police. Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Fort McMurray… Three people have been arrested – including two on charges of child endangerment – and nearly $70,000 worth of drugs and cash have been seized following a pair of investigations by ALERT’s organized crime team in Fort McMurray.
On April 17, 2019, ALERT investigators, with the assistance of Wood Buffalo RCMP, executed a search warrant at a home in the Timberlea subdivision. There, they were able to seize more than $58,000 worth of drugs and cash, including 151 grams of cocaine, 78 grams of MDMA powder, 389 grams of cannabis, and $33,230 in cash proceeds of crime.
Two people were arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including some under Alberta’s Drug Endangered Children Act after a young child was found at the home. Alberta Children’s Services was notified.
ALERT is not providing the names of the accused in this investigation in order to protect the identity of the child. The two people arrested, 32 and 23, have each been charged with:
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2);
possession of proceeds of crime;
possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling without authorization; and
child endangerment.
In a separate investigation, ALERT executed a search warrant at an apartment building in the Eagle Ridge subdivision on March 29, 2019. In this instance, investigators seized approximately $11,000 worth of drugs and cash, including 100 grams of crack cocaine, 88 grams of a cocaine buffing agent, and $955 in cash proceeds of crime.
Varinder Singh, a 25-year-old man, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Fort McMurray… A loaded handgun with its serial number filed off was seized after ALERT arrested a suspected Fort McMurray drug dealer.
ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team seized the handgun alongside approximately $40,000 in drugs and cash. One person has been arrested and warrants are being sought for three additional suspects.
“Taking a handgun off the street provides an indisputable benefit to public safety. The drug trade is inherently violent and it is the community that pays that toll,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT.
The seizure was made on July 11, 2019 after two Timberlea apartments were searched. Wood Buffalo RCMP provided assistance.
The search of the apartments yielded:
.45-caliber handgun with its serial number removed;
handgun ammunition;
311 grams of MDMA powder;
116 grams of cocaine; and
$15,940 cash.
James Brian Taylor was arrested via a traffic stop. The 30-year-old Fort McMurray man was charged with: possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2); possession of proceeds of crime; careless storage of a firearm; possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number had been removed; and possession of a firearm while prohibited from doing so.
Meanwhile, warrants have been issued for: Jay Jazz Faithful, 27; Erica Colbourne, 25; and Rebecca MacRae, 28. The three are being sought for drug-related offences.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Edmonton… Acting Superintendent Dwayne Lakusta of the Edmonton Police Service has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ALERT. Lakusta will be the officer in charge of the provincially funded integrated unit, overseeing approximately 300 police officers and civilian staff.
ALERT is mandated to address organized and serious crime across Alberta, with regional offices located in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer. Lakusta will supervise specialized teams that work in organized crime and gangs, internet child exploitation, criminal intelligence, and law enforcement training.
“I would like to congratulate Acting Superintendent Dwayne Lakusta on his appointment to ALERT Chief Executive Officer. His wealth of experience as a veteran member of the Edmonton Police Service and long-time career in law enforcement will be a major asset to ALERT in ensuring Albertans are safe, secure and protected. I would also like to thank outgoing ALERT CEO, Superintendent Chad Coles, for his hard work and success during his tenure,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.
Lakusta is a 24-year member of the Edmonton Police Service. He previously led the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) unit, and also previously worked as an undercover operator on drug investigations across Alberta. His first day at ALERT was August 19, 2019.
A native of Fort Saskatchewan, Lakusta had worked in a variety of specialized units within EPS, most notably homicide, professional standards, Project Kare, and as officer in charge of West Division.
Lakusta replaces Superintendent Chad Coles, who had been with ALERT since October 2014.
Since being formed in 2006, ALERT teams from across the province have made nearly 11,000 arrests, seized $610 million worth of harmful drugs, and have taken 1,200 firearms out of the hands of criminals.
Fort
McMurray… A number of
suspected drug dealers have been arrested in Fort McMurray following a series
of short-term ALERT investigations.
In late
October 2019, ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime team initiated the
investigations, with the help of Wood Buffalo RCMP, to combat street-level drug
trafficking. Over the course of four days, investigators were able to arrest
eight suspected dealers and seize more than $4,500 worth of drugs and cash,
including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl.
“Undertaking
this type of operation alongside our law enforcement partners demonstrates
ALERT’s commitment to keeping the community of Fort McMurray safe,” said Insp.
Sean Boser, ALERT Regional Teams.
The eight
people arrested face a total of 17 drug-related charges:
Shelly Richards, 29;
Kylar Flett, 24;
Cody Decoine, 27;
Chas Marcel, 21;
Shandon Simpson-Whiteknife, 27;
Dakota Donald, 24;
Danielle Wilson, 35; and
Jennifer Lacorde, 37.
In addition,
an arrest warrant has been issued for Kenneth Chapdelaine, 55, on one
count of drug trafficking.
Members of
the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local
police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is
always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
The last 12 months have just flown by, and ALERT has seen some big successes during that time. Let’s take a moment to reflect on some of our biggest headlines from 2019 …
JANUARY 2019: A suspected fentanyl lab operating out of a detached garage in the Calgary residential neighbourhood of Forest Lawn was dismantled by ALERT, Calgary Police Service and the RCMP’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) team in January. Approximately $75,000 worth of drugs were seized, along with a pill press, dies, chemicals, containers and packing materials.
FEBRUARY 2019: A total of 15 suspected drug dealers were implicated in a series of ALERT organized crime and gang investigations in Fort McMurray between December 2018 and February 2019. Four homes were searched, 37 charges were laid, and more than $29,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized.
MAY 2019: Two members of a Red Deer outlaw motorcycle club were charged with drug trafficking offences following a lengthy ALERT investigation that concluded in late April. The suspects were full-patch members of the Syndicate outlaw motorcycle club, a support club of the Hells Angels. An estimated $350,000 worth of drugs was seized, along with firearms, motorcycles and cash.
MAY 2019: A suspected transaction between a firearms trafficker and a drug dealer was intercepted by ALERT teams in Grande Prairie in May. Three suspects were arrested in the parking lot of a Grande Prairie shopping centre, where an alleged exchange of firearms was taking place. Two vehicles were searched and investigators seized four handguns, a rifle, ammunition, body armour, cash and 810 grams of cocaine.
JUNE 2019: A two-year investigation by ALERT that concluded in June cut off a drug pipeline between British Columbia and Alberta. More than $2 million in drugs and cash was seized — including 9.3 kilograms of cocaine, 6 kilograms of fentanyl powder — and a dozen suspects were arrested.
JULY 2019: A joint investigation involving the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in late June resulted in the rapid capture of two men and the rescue of two children in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Sask ICE and ALERT ICE respectively executed search warrants in Rocanville, Saskatchewan, and in Red Deer, Alberta, arrested two men who were allegedly sharing child pornography and discussing sexually assaulting children.
JULY 2019: A drug trafficking network that spanned Alberta and British Columbia was dismantled by ALERT in late June. Project Embrace resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of over $1 million worth of drugs and cash. ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime team led the investigation with the assistance of British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and Bonnyville RCMP. More than six kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of methamphetamine were seized, along with more than $342,000 in cash.
JULY 2019: A two-month investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team that concluded in July resulted in what is believed to be the largest methamphetamine seizure in the city’s history at 1.13 kilograms. Five people were arrested, and more than $120,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized.
JULY 2019: Over a million dollars’ worth of cocaine was seized after ALERT conducted search warrants at two Edmonton homes in July. ALERT seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine and 84 kilograms of Phenacetin, a cocaine buffing agent that was banned in Canada in 1973 due to its carcinogenic and kidney-damaging properties. A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with drug-related offences.
AUGUST 2019: A lengthy investigation by ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team concluded in August with the arrest of a 31-year-old Calgary man for his alleged role in a long-running series of organized vehicle tire thefts. At least eight Alberta car dealerships — in Lethbridge, Leduc, Taber, Wetaskiwin and Calgary — had been targeted dating back to March 2016, and more than $250,000 worth of tires and rims had been stolen.
SEPTEMBER 2019: More than a dozen firearms, some of which were stolen, were recovered by ALERT’s Red Deer organized crime and gang team in September after a search warrant was executed at a home in the Clearview Ridge subdivision. These included 12 rifles (including one semi-automatic), two handguns, a sawed-off shotgun, a prohibited magazine and more than 9,000 rounds of ammunition.
NOVEMBER 2019: An international investigation involving ALERT and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that concluded in October resulted in the seizure of record amounts of cocaine and fentanyl for ALERT. Project Coyote was a two-year investigation that resulted in the seizure of $15 million worth of drugs, over $4.5 million in cash and assets, and 13 firearms. Seven people were arrested, and face a total of 77 criminal charges.
Edmonton…
While changes were afoot, including
a new CEO, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams still managed to achieve one
of its most successful years ever in 2019.
Over the calendar year, ALERT teams across the province laid 1,402
criminal charges against 241 suspects; took 92 firearms out of the hands of gang
members and drug dealers; seized more than $4 million in proceeds of crime; and
removed nearly $13 million worth of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from
the streets of Alberta communities.
“Since being appointed chief executive officer in August 2019, I’ve been very impressed with ALERT’s operations and the results the organization is able to achieve,” said ALERT CEO Supt. Dwayne Lakusta. “It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing landscape, but our front-line investigators and support staff behind the scenes do exceptional work to keep up and deliver the results Albertans expect.”
ALERT is mandated to address organized and serious crime across Alberta, with regional offices located in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer. A breakdown of statistics by region for the 2019 calendar year is available on ALERT’s website and YouTube channel.
The biggest highlight of the year for ALERT was Project Coyote, a joint investigation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that resulted in record amounts of cocaine and fentanyl pills seized. All told, over the course of two years, Project Coyote resulted in the seizure of $15 million worth of drugs, including 81.5 kilograms of cocaine in Houston, Texas, and 250,000 fentanyl pills in a Calgary apartment.
“Project Coyote was a lengthy, complex investigation, and I applaud our
team in Calgary for their ongoing commitment to the investigation,” Lakusta
said. “It’s a significant bust, and a great example of the efforts taken by our
teams to fight organized crime.”
Some of ALERT’s other successes in 2019 include: outlaw bikers arrested
for drug trafficking in Red Deer; a firearms straw purchaser foiled in Grande
Prairie; a B.C.-Edmonton drug pipeline cut off; a record meth seizure in
Medicine Hat; an arrest made in Lethbridge in a series of vehicle thefts; and
two children being rescued as result of a child exploitation investigation.
A compilation of highlights from 2019 is available on ALERT’s website.
With new funding foreshadowed in the recent provincial budget and
ALERT’s successes from 2019 to build upon, Lakusta is looking forward to expanding
on the organization’s important work in 2020.
“We are excited to enhance opportunities to make communities across
Alberta safer,” Lakusta said. “By working closely with other law enforcement
agencies and community partners, we will continue to work toward our goals of disrupting
and dismantling organized crime.”
Members of the
public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local
police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is
always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta
Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law
enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
Fort
McMurray… Sixteen suspected drug dealers
have been arrested, and warrants are being issued for several more, following a
series of ALERT investigations targeting street-level traffickers in Fort
McMurray and surrounding communities.
The investigations took place in January and February 2020 in
conjunction with Wood Buffalo RCMP. In total, more than $18,000 worth of drugs,
cash and stolen property were seized, including:
52 grams of cocaine;
3 grams of methamphetamine;
1 gram of fentanyl powder;
$6,220 in cash proceeds of crime; and
$6,000 worth of stolen property.
“Working together with our law enforcement partners to address drug
trafficking and property crime at the street level is an integral part of
keeping the communities we serve safe,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional
Teams.
A total of 16 people were arrested and charged with 41 criminal offences
related to drugs, weapons and proceeds of crime:
Hagos Goitom, a 34-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Zai Tekie, a 29-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Catherine Wilson, a 49-year-old woman from Fort McMurray;
Frank Brendemuehl, a 54-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Darryl Brewer, a 51-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Kerry Stanton, a 33-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Mohammed Ahmed, a 33-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Emlie Fuoco-Lafamme, a 24-year-old woman from Fort McMurray;
Autumn Marcel, a 21-year-old woman from Janvier;
Faith Marcel, a 38-year-old woman from Fort McKay;
Tristan Scanie, a 22-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Tristen Bradbury-Jacobs, a 23-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Jeffrey Hickey, a 37-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Mustaf Muse, a 34-year-old man from Fort McMurray;
Trenton Goebel, a 55-year-old man from Fort McMurray; and
Tilly Powder, a 45-year-old woman from Fort McMurray.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Androw Yousif, a 24-year-old man from Fort McMurray. Investigators
are also in the process of issuing warrants for five additional male suspects,
all from Fort McMurray.
Members of the
public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local
police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is
always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta
Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law
enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
