Grande Prairie drug raids net four gang-related suspects

Four people associated with alleged ties to anorganized crime group known as the Surrey Boys have been arrested after a series of ALERT raids in Grande Prairie, police said Wednesday.

The four face73 charges relatedto drugs and firearms.

ALERT stands forAlberta Law Enforcement Response Teams.

A large amount of drugs and cash totalling nearly $250,000 was seized after three search warrants were executed Jan.1, police say.

ALERT, with the help of RCMP Grande Prairie, searched three Grande Prairie residences.

"This demonstrates ALERT's ability to target gang-related activity in communities across the province, and it has a significant public safety impact," said Insp. Chad Coles in a news release.

Police confiscated two handguns, three vehicles, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl pills and $55,415 in cash.

Police say the seized drugs possess an estimated street value of $183,290.

The four people arrested, with strong links to Surrey, B.C., are allegedly involved in Grande Prairie drug trafficking under the name Surrey Boys.

ALERT added they believe they are connected to a larger organized crime group operating in B.C.'s Lower Mainland.

ALERT began their investigation in November.