Seven people have been charged following a police investigation in Red Deer that resulted in the seizure of cocaine, firearms, vehicles and cash, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said Thursday.
The accused are five men and women, ranging between 20 and 24 years old. They face a total of 51 charges related to drugs and firearms offences.
On Dec. 13, ALERT’s Red Deer organized crime and gang team wrapped up a short-term investigation by searching two homes in the Pines and Vanier Woods neighbourhoods.
The searches yielded $66,000 worth of cocaine, along with further evidence of drug trafficking, including scales, score sheets and packaging materials.
Three firearms were also seized including a Ruger handgun, an SKS rifle and a shotgun.
ALERT also seized:
- ammunition.
- 662 grams of cocaine.
- drug-trafficking paraphernalia.
- two vehicles.
- $60,330 cash.
A 23-year-old man, the primary focus of the investigation, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and nine firearms offences.
Anyone who suspects drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or Crime Stoppers.