Edmonton police have laid charges against three men in their 20s, for allegedly handing out free drug samples to youth in Old Strathcona.

Police said its alleged three suspects had been offering free samples of base cocaine to youth – packages included the drug, and the contact information for the suspects for potential future purchases.

Investigators said the transactions were allegedly made from the window of a white Dodge Ram pickup truck that was parked near 103 Street and 83 Avenue.

Now, police have charged Jesse Levesque, 22, and Chris Hefford, 22, both of Edmonton, and Dan Friedrick, 25, of Spruce Grove, with trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking and living off the proceeds of crime.

Officers said the arrests came after a two-day initiative, carried out on July 17 and 18, which focused on identifying drug traffickers believed to be targeting youth in the area.