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
Officials: 2 dead, 5 missing in chocolate factory explosion
An explosion at a chocolate factory in Pennsylvania on Friday killed two people and left five people missing, authorities said. One person was pulled from the rubble overnight.

Canadians view own country favourably but many unsure about Canada's system of government: survey
A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute found Canadians view their country more positively than Americans do, but only a slight majority of people in Canada believe their system of government is good.
Putin says Russia will station tactical nukes in Belarus
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans on Saturday to station tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus, a warning to the West as it steps up military support for Ukraine.
Russia 'largely stalled' in Bakhmut, shifting focus, U.K. says
The top commander of Ukraine's military said Saturday that his forces were pushing back against Russian troops in the long and grinding battle for the town of Bakhmut, and British military intelligence says Russia appears to be moving to a defensive strategy in eastern Ukraine.
Trump rallying supporters in Waco ahead of possible charges
Staring down a possible indictment, a defiant Donald Trump is hoping to put on a show of force Saturday at the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign, in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
'Everything is interwoven': Trudeau and Biden vow continued Canada-U.S. collaboration during historic visit
U.S President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have announced updates on a number of cross-border issues, after a day of meetings on Parliament Hill.
Asylum seeker deal between U.S. and Canada won't stop drama at border, advocates say
The new asylum seeker agreement between Canada and the United States will not deter migrants from trying to cross into Canada outside official ports of entry, Quebec immigration advocacy groups say.
U.S. President Joe Biden given Maritime-made Peace by Chocolate bar during visit to Ottawa
U.S. President Joe Biden was given a Maritime-made sweet treat during his visit to Ottawa on Friday.
Scientists say they've solved the mystery of cigar-shaped comet 'Oumuamua
Scientists now say they know outerspace object ‘Oumuamua is, and the answer is more simple than some previous theories have suggested.