Police find $160K in drugs in SUV's hidden compartment
Three people have been charged after more than $400,000 in drugs and cash were seized from two homes and a vehicle after a seven-month-long investigation in Edmonton.
In September 2021, police began an investigation linked to an apartment suite in Delwood that was used to store and process cocaine and methamphetamine.
On March 30, 2022, officers executed two search warrants — one at a St. Albert home and one at an Edmonton home — and seized the following items:
- 2.6 kg of cocaine, with a street value of approximately $208,000
- Approximately $43,000 in cash
- A variety of drug paraphernalia and items consistent with the sale and distribution of controlled substances
Police also located two kg of cocaine with a street value of approximately $160,000 in a hidden compartment of a Nissan Murano.
Investigators say the hidden compartment is just one example of criminals becoming more practiced, and police have to work hard to stay one step ahead of them.
"We are seeing them a lot more in our investigations. As the groups become more sophisticated, they are making the connections to have these things installed," said Acting Insp. Dave Paton.
"It isn't something easily detectable by police officers on the street, it takes a certain amount of awareness. I see our edge investigators are becoming adept at identifying these traps."
A 34-year-old St. Albert man, and a 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman from Edmonton, have since been arrested and charged with a number of drug related charges, including possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.