A law enforcement bust in Rocky View County, Alberta led to the discovery of $145,000 worth of cocaine and other drugs.
The operation, which was conducted by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), the Calgary police and the Airdrie RCMP, took place on November 18, 2020.
Police officers discovered 1.45 kg of cocaine during a search of the suspect’s residence.
The other items seized at the residence include 292 grams of an unknown pink powder, 134 grams of an unknown white powder, 6 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 0.3 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition and a small amount of cash.
“Drug trafficking offences are magnified in rural communities and, more often than not, produce a number of ancillary offences related to addiction, such as property crimes and theft,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff Ringelberg, ALERT Calgary in a news release.
According to police, the suspect Jeffrey Bussey was suspected of being involved in a regional drug trafficking operation.
He was arrested at a traffic stop in Crossfield, Alberta and is being charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and possessing ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.
In September of this year, ALERT officers in co-operation with local police arrested five suspects in Taber, Alberta, who were believed to be involved in a firearm and stolen property trafficking ring targeting rural communities.
“ALERT worked hand-in-hand with our policing partners to disrupt a group of individuals who were terrorizing small communities with thefts and property crime offences,” ALERT Communications Director Michael Tucker told True North.
“Widespread theft like this, has a huge impact on community safety. Especially in rural communities – it shakes the sense of security amongst the victims. ALERT will continue to work alongside our partners to deliver a swift, robust response.”
