ALERT drug bust nets $7 million in drugs, $1.1 million cash across Alberta
A 10-month investigation into a province-wide drug trafficking network spanning Calgary and Edmonton resulted in one of ALERT's largest seizures, with arrests made but no charges yet laid.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police concluded a 10-month investigation into a province-wide drug trafficking network spanning Calgary and Edmonton with a multi-million-dollar seizure—one of ALERT's largest in its 20-year history.
Over the course of the investigation, police executed search warrants across Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sturgeon County, with six of the most recent raids on July 16. Officers seized $7 million worth of drugs, $1,156,863 in cash, and 17 firearms.
The cash seizure is ALERT's largest on record. The drug haul included 66.5 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value $6.65 million), 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 3,494 suspected fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 2.3 kilograms of psilocybin mushroom. Officers also seized eight vehicles.
According to ALERT, the case was based on "criminal intelligence into wholesale drug transporters." The network used vehicles with hidden compartments to move drugs and cash primarily between the two cities.
Several suspects were arrested during the investigation, but no charges have been laid yet. Investigators are currently preparing reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel.
What specific charges are expected to be laid against the arrested suspects, and when?
How many people were arrested in this investigation?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How much cash did police seize in this drug bust?
$1,156,863 in cash was seized across search warrants in Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sturgeon County. This is ALERT's largest cash seizure on record.
How much cocaine was found?
Officers seized 66.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $6.65 million.
How long did the investigation take?
The investigation into the province-wide drug trafficking network spanning Calgary and Edmonton lasted 10 months.
When were the most recent raids conducted?
Six of the most recent search warrant raids took place on July 16, 2026.
