The Cold Lake RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) have concluded a long-term drug trafficking investigation in Cold Lake and surrounding area dubbed Project K-NANOSECOND. With the assistance of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) in Lloydminster and Edmonton, Cold Lake GIS embarked on an investigation into a group of individuals trafficking cocaine which has resulted in one of the largest drug seizures ever made in Cold Lake and surrounding area.
On Feb. 25, 2025, with the assistance of Lloydminster ALERT, Edmonton ALERT, the RCMP Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, the RCMP Community Response Team in Edmonton, Bonnyville GIS, Police Dog Services, and members of the Cold Lake RCMP, Cold Lake GIS executed six separate search warrants in various locations. Three residences, as well as a commercial property in Cold Lake, were searched along with a residence in the hamlet of Ardmore, Alta. and a dwelling unit in the city of Edmonton.
As a result of this investigation, the following has been seized:
- Approximately one kilogram of suspected cocaine;
- Approximately one kilogram of suspected fentanyl;
- Approximately five kilograms of a suspected cocaine cutting agent, benzocaine;
- Approximately $68,000.00 in Canadian currency;
- 23 Firearms, including 4 restricted handguns;
- A Range Rover SUV and a Ford F350 Super duty Truck.
As a result of this investigation, three individuals have been charged:
A 31-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- Possession of a prohibited weapon.
A 62-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking;
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime;
- Careless Use of a Firearm;
- Possession of a Prohibited Device.
A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Ardmore Alta., has been charged with the following offences with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance.
All individuals were held for a judicial interim hearing and released with conditions to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on March 19, 2025.