A 32-year-old man is facing a list of drug-related charges after Edmonton police seized nearly $1.5 million worth of drugs and more than $70,000 cash late last week.
On Thursday, Jan. 19, police searched two Edmonton homes and a vehicle, where they seized cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, among other items.
Officers said a police dog helped them uncover secret compartments in a Toyota Tundra pickup truck where more drugs were found.
One of the homes searched was located in the area of 73 Street and 164 Avenue, where police said they seized the following items:
- 50 kg of buffing agent phenacetin with an estimated street value of $200,000
- Body armour
- 100 rounds ammunition
- More than $70,000 cash
The other home was in the McConachie neighbourhood, where police said they seized the following items:
- 3.4 kg of cocaine hydrochloride with an estimated street value of $205, 542
- 1.5 kg of crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $91,200
- 3.6 kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $209,600
- 398 grams of heroin with an estimated street value of $159,200
- 100 kg of buffing agent with an estimated street value of $600,000
Watch below: Edmonton police showcase drugs seized during recent investigation
In the pickup truck, police said they uncovered:
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- 195 g of cocaine hydrochloride with an estimated street value of $11,100
- 139 g of crack cocaine (cocaine base) with an estimated street value of $8,400
- 27 g of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1,600
- Four mobile phones
Staff Sgt. Kevin Berge said while hidden compartments in vehicles likely aren’t rare, police generally only find them about once per year.
“I wouldn’t say it’s common but I wouldn’t say it’s uncommon. Quite often the police just don’t locate the hidden compartments just due to their sophistication,” Berge said.
“They are difficult to detect.”
Police said Duc Tran was charged with seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, production, possession of body armour and possessing ammunition while prohibited.
Watch below: Edmonton police arrested and charged a 32-year-old man after a three-week investigation uncovered nearly $1.5M worth of drugs. Sarah Kraus has the details.
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