NEW RECORD DRUG BUST BY LOCAL RCMP

Three people face drug trafficking charges after a raid this week
netted the RCMP its largest marijuana seizure in Fort McMurray.

Police officers found nine kilograms of marijuana, one kg of cocaine
and an unspecified amount of ecstasy during Tuesday evening's bust at
an apartment on Nixon Street.

According to the RCMP, the drugs were ready for sale and not for
personal use.

"The (large) quantities they were packed in (indicated) that they were
ready to be distributed to dealers," said Cpl. Ann Brinnen of the Fort
McMurray RCMP.

The three people charged were all at home when police showed up, said
Brinnen. She didn't say where in the apartment police found the drugs
nor did she specify what information led to the raid, but noted it
came as a result of "intelligence."

She added police also found cannabis resin, which is like a dense
brownie, and cannabis resin oil, a molasses-like substance, both of
which people can smoke.

The RCMP estimates the street value of the drugs at more than
$300,000. Officers also found several thousand dollars in cash in the
apartment.

Brinnen noted the marijuana seizure beats a 6.8-kg seizure in October
2004, making it the largest one to date.

"It will make a big difference," Brinnen said, calling the $300,000
value a significant figure.

She didn't say whether the three people charged had connections to an
organized network but pointed out the drug trade is "ultimately
linked" to organized crime. By the time the drugs reach the street,
they've "been through a few different levels of organized crime,"
Brinnen said.

They are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday on charges of
possession of cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and cannabis resin for the
purpose of trafficking.