A 26-year-old Edmonton man has been charged after more than 11 kilograms of cocaine was seized early last month following a three-month investigation.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said Thursday 11.37 kilograms of cocaine, 902 grams of ketamine and $15,465 cash were seized from two Edmonton homes on June 8.
Officers also seized 84 kilograms of phenacetin, which ALERT called one of the largest seizures of its kind by the law enforcement agency.
“The majority of the drugs were located at an apartment in the northwest Edmonton neighbourhood of Pembina,” said Insp. Marc Cochlin, the executive officer in charge of ALERT in the greater Edmonton area.
Phenacetin is a cutting agent used to dilute the purity of cocaine in order to maximize profits. ALERT said it was banned in Canada in 1973 due to its carcinogenic and kidney-damaging properties.
“It is classified as an industrial chemical and its legal application is to deworm livestock or be used in hair colour products,” Cochlin said.
It’s alleged the apartment in the Pembina neighbourhood in northwest Edmonton was being used to package and press cocaine.
In total, the drugs and cash seized by police are worth an estimated $1.4 million, ALERT said.
“This one’s pretty significant with the multi kilos of cocaine,” Cochlin said. “The seizure that we see before us will have some impact in Edmonton and the area.
“There is a ripple effect throughout the province. However, unfortunately due to the large demand, those voids get filled quite quickly.”
Watch below: Insp. Marc Cochlin explains the significance of this seizure
Mihnea Vasiu, 26, has been charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. He has been released on conditions and is awaiting trial, Cochlin said.
ALERT alleges Vasiu became known to their investigators after he was seen meeting with targets in previous investigations.
ALERT said the investigation also included help from members of the Edmonton Police Service and Alberta Sheriffs.