POLICE CUT DRUG FLOW TO NORTH

24 Charges Laid Against Six Men After Year-Long Investigation In
Edmonton, Fort McMurray; Trafficking Network Disrupted, Police Say

Ryan Cormier The Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON - A one-year investigation in Fort McMurray and Edmonton has
resulted in 24 drug-related charges against six men.

In March, Project Komet concluded with the arrest of five men on 23
drug-related charges. A large amount of drugs, cash and weapons were seized.

RCMP continued their investigation on the advice of federal Crown
prosecutors under the name Project Komet II. A review of the evidence
resulted in further charges of trafficking and organized crime
against the five men, as well as the arrest of a sixth.

Officers finished the investigation with arrests in Fort McMurray on
Sept. 11 and in Edmonton on Tuesday.

"We targeted high-level drug dealers with this operation," said
Const. Ali Fayad of the Fort McMurray RCMP. "If we didn't eliminate,
we at least severely disrupted their drug business in the area. We're
hoping it has a drastic impact, particularly for the residents who
live and work up here."

Fayad said he hopes the arrests act as a deterrent for anyone who
might see opportunities to now move up in the drug trade.

Police seized bags of marijuana, crack cocaine and several firearms.

The Fort McMurray municipal drug section, Edmonton federal drug
section and the provincially funded Integrated Response to Organized
Crime team were all involved in the investigation.

RCMP estimate that at least 10,000 street-level sales of drugs were
stopped by the seizures.

Those charged are believed to be involved with organized crime across
northern Alberta and Saskatchewan.