EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally stated the superlab was capable of producing as much as 10 kilograms of fentanyl per day. However, ALERT said it was capable of producing as much as 10 kilograms of fentanyl per week. Global News regrets the error.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team says hundreds of millions of fentanyl doses have been kept off the streets after a “superlab” was dismantled in rural Alberta.
In a news release, ALERT said 13 search warrants were executed on July 7 as part of Project Essence. The investigation began in February when ALERT said it received information of attempts to import a 563-kilogram shipment of a chemical used in fentanyl production.
Homes, businesses and storage units in the Edmonton and Calgary areas were searched as part of the investigation. A “fentanyl superlab” was also located and searched near Aldersyde, Alta., which is located just southeast of Okotoks, Alta.
ALERT said more than 31 kilograms of fentanyl and precursors were seized, along with 7,600 kilograms of chemicals used in fentanyl production. Eighteen handguns, one rifle, vehicles, trailers and a boat were also seized by officers.
“The size and scale of Project Essence is unparalleled in the history of ALERT,” CEO Supt. Dwayne Lakusta said.
“Nobody has knowledge within Alberta of such a substantial bust here in Alberta and we’re still working with our partners to find out if there’s something equivalent in outside provinces,” added ALERT Edmonton Insp. Kevin Berge.
ALERT estimates the total street value of the drugs seized is over $300 million.
“This seizure has a street value in excess of $320 million. It’s not about the financial, the monetary value of this seizure. This is about the lives that have been saved and our dedication to the opioid crisis,” Lakusta said.
“This seizure has no doubt saved many lives.”
The materials seized had the capacity of producing hundreds of millions of fentanyl doses, according to ALERT and Health Canada.
ALERT believes the superlab was capable of producing as much as 10 kilograms of fentanyl per week.
“One kilogram of fentanyl has the potential of creating one million doses at the street level, or as we view it, 500,000 lethal doses,” Lakusta said.
“Each dose produced within these clandestine labs, and each dose consumed, has the potential of being a lethal dose that’s killing our population.”
In total, ALERT seized:
- 13.6 kilograms of fentanyl
- 11.9 kilograms of the fentanyl late-stage precursors 4-ANPP
- 6.6 kilograms of synthetic opioids
- 9.9 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 50 litres of gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid
- 3.5 kilograms of buffing agents
- 7,600 kilograms of chemicals
- 18 handguns
- one rifle
- $15,000 in cash and jewelry
- six vehicles
- four motorcycles
- three trailers
- one boat
ALERT said the investigation covered all aspects of fentanyl production, “from importation to accumulation and stockpiling of equipment and raw chemicals, to production and eventual distribution.”
It took investigators four days to dismantle the superlab, according to Berge, who said Alberta Health investigators have since deemed the property unfit for human habitation.
“We appreciate the vital work ALERT does to keep our communities safe and improve the lives of Albertans,” Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu said.
“Through Project Essence, ALERT disrupted organized crime endeavours and prevented hundreds of millions of fentanyl doses from potentially entering our communities, and destroying the lives and futures of many Albertans.”
ALERT said a number of suspects have been identified and charges are pending.
The law enforcement agency said the suspects involved were not part of an established organized criminal organization with a name.
“It has been a long time since we’ve seen a street gang name themselves,” Berge said, adding this group was fluid between Calgary and Edmonton. He said investigators believe they have identified the core members of the unnamed group.