Distracted driving stop leads to significant seizure of GHB

EDMONTON – A traffic stop for suspected distracted driving turned into a big drug bust Tuesday evening in the area of 90 Ave. and 175 St.

It all started when officers from the Specialized Traffic Apprehension Team (STAT) reportedly spotted the driver of a BMW X5 texting at a red light, and pulled him over.

“Some quick investigating checks by our members determined that this guy had a court order not to be in possession of this type of device,” said Sgt. Bill Krull with STAT.

He added that that type of court order generally accompanies previous drug charges – something the driver had.

Officers searched his SUV after smelling an odour of marijuana coming from inside. Not only did they find more than 750 grams of marijuana – worth roughly $11,300 on the street – but also three containers filled with GHB (also known as “the date rape drug.”)

Krull says that while it’s not uncommon for his team to find drugs during traffic stops, the amount they found this time is unique.

“This quantity of GHB, I would say, is a significant amount that we’ve seized, probably one of the larger seizures that we’ve made in the City of Edmonton,” Krull said.

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READ MORE: Police finding ‘astronomical’ amounts of date-rape drug in Edmonton

Police estimate the 28 litres of seized GHB has a street value of about $43,000.

Officers also seized $1,000 cash as well as the vehicle, bringing the total of the haul to $73,000.

Ryan David Getschel, 31, is facing the following charges: two counts of possession for the purposes of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, use of handheld electronic device, and three counts of breach of recognizance.

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