Four charged after Grande Prairie drug bust nets 327 fentanyl pills

Four people have been arrested in a Grande Prairie drug investigation that resulted in police seizing 327 fentanyl pills.

"There has been quite a bit of awareness and education surrounding the dangers associated with fentanyl, so 327 pills being seized in one location knowing that even one pill can pose a serious health risk to any individual makes this a significant investigation," Staff Sgt. Pamela Robinson with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams said in a news release Friday.

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ALERT's organized crime and gang team in Grande Prairie executed two search warrants on May 2, in the Smith and Southview neighbourhoods. Members of the Grande Prairie and Peace River RCMP detachments provided assistance.

In addition to the fentanyl pills, investigators seized 26.7 grams of crack cocaine, four grams of crystal meth, 18 grams of marijuana and more than $4,400 in cash.

The investigation began early this year after police received information about drug trafficking in the region.

"It's important to be proactive in disrupting and dismantling these criminal enterprises." said Robinson, who is acting officer in charge of regional teams for ALERT.

"It creates a component for education and awareness, and we can let communities know about the dangers associated to illegal street drug use."

The four people charged are between the ages of 25 and 59.

Three face charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and possession of proceeds of crime. The fourth person is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance.

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