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Drug Seizures

Significant drug seizures made by RCMP Traffic Services in Banff and Jasper

May 15, 2019 | 3:46 PM

ALBERTA – Traffic stops on Alberta’s highways can lead to substantial seizures of illicit drugs, firearms, stolen goods and other contraband materials, and that certainly was the case back in April.

First, an RCMP officer stopped a vehicle for speeding near Jasper on April 9, at which time the member saw numerous items relating to drug trafficking.

The lone occupant of the vehicle was arrested, and a subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 1.8 kg of cocaine and phenacetin, 250 g of methamphetamine and brass knuckles.

Jasper seizure

Then on April 14, an RCMP officer stopped a vehicle for two traffic offences near Canmore.

The officer found that the vehicle occupants had cannabis for the purpose of distribution, and they were subsequently arrested. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 45 pounds of marijuana and 5 pounds. of psilocybin mushrooms.

The drugs seized in both stops would roughly equate to 7,200 average cocaine doses, 2,500 average methamphetamine doses, 61,000 average-sized joints and 4,500 average psilocybin mushroom doses.

Supt. Gary Graham says the trafficking of any drug is illegal, and the recent legalization of cannabis means that there are legal avenues to obtain and consume cannabis.

“These drug seizures are evidence that traffickers can be caught – our officers are skilled, professional members trained in the detection of drug trafficking.”

Alberta RCMP Traffic Services go beyond promoting road safety through enforcement activities and will continue their work ahead of the May long weekend.

The RCMP will continue to work very closely with law enforcement and safety partners to keep travelling criminals off Alberta roads and to further reduce crime in Alberta.