A drug trafficking investigation by the Prince Albert Police Service has lead to the seizure of drugs and black market marijuana that it believes is worth up to $2.4 million.
“This is something that we’ve unfortunately been experiencing a little bit more frequently over the last five, six, seven years where we are having larger seizures of and larger quantities of illicit drugs,” said Insp. Craig Mushka with he Prince Albert police.
The investigation uncovered a black market marijuana grow op of around 100 plants and led to the seizure of evidence including more than three kilograms of cocaine, just under nine kilograms of marijuana, five grams of MDMA, and 75 grams of psilocybin.
“This type of activity is definitely not wanted in the City of Prince Albert, and this police service is dedicated in eradicating it at every end,” Chief Patrick Nogier told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday.
Investigators believe they can connect the drugs to trafficking operations in other provinces, Nogier says.
“This investigation, in particular in the way that these items were packaged, we’ve already connected them to other seizures that were associated to the greater Toronto area in 2024 in December, and then more recently in the Northwest Territories.”
Police say there was also a seizure of multiple firearms and $1,505 cash.
“These drugs are not being developed in Prince Albert,” said Nogier. “They’re being transported into Prince Albert. And the discussion about drugs coming from the south. We need to be aware of the fact that we have drug problems that are going inter-provincially. So east-west and north-south.”
Mushka said PA police have been working with other services.
“We’re working alongside Alberta law enforcement. We’re also going to be working alongside Manitoba law enforcement to start making some of these connections. And then federally, I think, you know, that’s going to be ‘how is it coming? Where is it coming from?’”
Two people were arrested in connection in the bust. Both have made their court appearances and have since been released on bail with conditions.
The matter remains before the courts and further proceedings are scheduled in the coming weeks.
