3 RCMP traffic stops lead to over $1M in contraband seized

RCMP seized over $1M in illegal drugs and cigarettes in three traffic stops in northern and southern Alberta in early May. (Supplied)

RCMP Roving Traffic Units (RTU) in Vermillion and Chestermere made three major drug seizures this month amounting to more than $1M in illegal drugs and cigarettes.

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A statement released Thursday said Vermillion RCMP pulled a vehicle over to verify license and vehicle registration on May 4. Police suspected possible narcotics involvement and searched the vehicle. As a result of the investigation, 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and two kilograms of cocaine were seized, the equivalent of $920,000. A 33-year-old B.C. man was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermillion on July 7.

RCMP pulled over another person for a vehicle equipment violation on May 6. Police noticed unstamped tobacco in the vehicle during the stop, leading to a vehicle search. Ninety-thousand cigarettes were seized, valuing approximately $44,000. A 53 year-old woman from Alberta Beach was charged with possession of unstamped tobacco, possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of trafficking and fraud over $5,000. The woman is to appear in court in Vermillion on July 7.

Chestermere RCMP stopped a potential intoxicated person on May 8. Police dog “Mando” searched the vehicle, as the officer suspected narcotics involvement. The search revealed 260 grams of fentanyl and 10 grams of cocaine with a combined estimated street value of $53,000. A 21 year-old from Saskatoon was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of obstructing a police officer and one count of identity fraud. The individual is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on June 20.

A statement from RCMP Sgt. Darrell Dickinson said that RTU teams target areas that are transportation routes where there is a likelihood of intercepting people trafficking illegal goods.

“The success of these specialized units highlights their importance as well as their efficiency in targeting criminals and reducing illicit drugs from reaching the streets,” said Dickinson.