Three Grande Prairie residents have been charged following an investigation by RCMP that led to the seizure of drugs, guns, cigarettes, money and vehicles.
Grande Prairie RCMP’s municipal drug unit launched an investigation into an illicit drug trafficking investigation in February.
Three suspects were identified and evidence was gathered – leading to two search warrants’ execution on Thursday with help from local police, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and RCMP police dogs.
Police seized 144 grams of cocaine, 178 grams of methamphetamine, a litre of GHB, five handguns, one loaded Ruger 10/22 rifle, more than $15,000, 86,000 contraband cigarettes, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a 2019 Audi SQ5 and a 2024 Toyota Landcruiser.
Police say they believe the handguns were smuggled into the country and are working with National Weapons Enforcement Support Team to determine their origin and potential for more charges.
A 22-year-old, a 20-year-old and a 24-year-old resident of Grande Prairie face a variety of charges for possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and other firearms-related offences.
All three have been remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear in court in Grande Prairie on Monday.