2-year investigation leads Edmonton police to charge 10 in liquor, drug network – Edmonton | Canadian

A police investigation that began in 2020 has led to the seizure of nearly half a million dollars in drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, and the arrest of 10 local business owners and traffickers.

A total of 40 charges have been laid against the 10 people who were involved in the stolen liquor trade and drug trafficking.

The investigation was initially a response to a growing trend of alcohol theft, but later revealed a larger market for stolen liquor “along with a co-ordinated distribution network that was supplying the liquor to legitimate local businesses,” according to a release from the Edmonton Police Service.

EPS investigators “also determined the individuals involved were trafficking illegal drugs and unmarked cigarettes and were in the possession of stolen property.”

Search warrants allowed police to confiscate approximately $130,000 of liquor, 350,000 unmarked cigarettes, 730 fentanyl pills, 1.49 kilograms of cocaine and 270 Xanax pills.

The resulting charges include conspiracy, trafficking and intent to distribute a controlled substance, among others.

Police are still looking for four more suspects tied to the investigation.