Edmonton hit-and-run collision leads to drug seizure worth $14K

Members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) got more than they bargained for when they responded to a hit-and-run at the beginning of July.

Officers were called to the area of 72 Street and 21 Avenue SW after a collision at around 8:15 a.m. on July 2. Witnesses told police a Toyota Highlander SUV struck a parked Dodge Ram truck, pushing the truck into another parked vehicle. Officers were told the driver of the Highlander then fled between houses in the area.

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The EPS Canine Unit was brought in and police service dog Finn and his handler tracked the driver to a nearby backyard where he was arrested without incident.

When police searched the man’s backpack they reportedly found drugs and cash.

Officers seized 46.1 grams of fentanyl powder, 2.9 grams of meth and 6.4 grams of cocaine. The drugs have an estimated street value of $14,000.

“Thanks to the assistance of witnesses and the EPS Canine Unit, a hit-and-run suspect was quickly apprehended and a significant quantity of fentanyl was removed from Edmonton streets,” Const. Danielle Pelletier said in a release.

Mark Bratraki, 42, is facing six charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.