Edmonton police have laid dozens of charges against six men, for their alleged involvement in a street gang, believed to have been behind violent incidents and drug trafficking in north-east Edmonton.

Police said the investigation began after a number of complaints and tips were passed on to investigators from residents in the area affected.

“We’ve received many complaints of assaults, personal robberies and drug transactions involving members of this group,” Const. Brian Macaulay said in a press release. “However, many of the victims were too scared to press charges, because of intimidation and threats of further violence.

“We wanted to break up the group before things got any worse.”

The gang in question was described as ‘loosely organized’, and was active in the Abbottsfield and Beverly neighbourhoods for several years.

After monitoring the suspects for some time, police executed a search warrant on a home in the area of 57 Street and 136 Avenue.

Inside, police found about $4,800 worth of cocaine – along with drug trafficking paraphernalia including scales, packaging material and cell phones.

Six people were also arrested and are facing a total of 65 charges:

  • Lee Williams, 18 – is charged with five couts of trafficking cocaine, five counts of possessing the proceeds of crime, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and 26 counts of breach of recognizance
  • Ian Williams, 21 – is charged with three counts of trafficking cocaine, three counts of possession of the proceeds of crime, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
  • Kaylor Lawrason, 24 – faces seven counts each of trafficking marijuana and possession of the proceeds of crime
  • Leo Fernandez, 24 – facing one charge each of trafficking marijuana, and possession of the proceeds of crime
  • Winston Dickson, 25 – is facing two charges of breach of recognizance
  • Tong Akot, 20 – has been charged with two counts of breach of recognizance and one count of driving while disqualified

The investigation into the group is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Reports of suspicious drug activity can be passed on to the Report a Drug House program, at 780-426-8229, or online.