NORTH BATTLEFORD - Battlefords RCMP’s Gang Task Force assisted in Project Cobra’s $55 million drug seizure by seizing five kilograms of cocaine in North Battleford in August. The cross-border investigation also resulted in the seizure of firearms, luxury vehicles, and property.
Police from multiple agencies seized $7 million worth of property, bank accounts, luxury vehicles, and other suspected proceeds of crime, including a $3.5 million home in Niagara-on-the-Lake, two Lamborghinis, a Porsche, classic cars, and $200,000 cash.
“Removing five kilograms of cocaine from the streets undoubtedly makes our community safer,” said Sgt. Adam Buckingham of Battleford RCMP’s General Investigation Section.
“Illicit drugs put lives in danger and they also increase occurrences of property crime and gang activity. That’s why Battleford RCMP works diligently – including in partnership with other police and public safety agencies – to keep drugs off our streets."
Fifteen people were arrested and charged, including Tianna Bull, 24, and Russell Ens, 39, from North Battleford. Enns is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Bull is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted the investigation led by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
“Certainly, this investigation also shows that drug trafficking at the local level is sometimes tied to organized crime,” added Buckingham. “We are appreciative of our partners at ALERT and the many agencies involved in this in-depth three-year investigation.”
The Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force’s mandate is to target organized crime, the drug trade and serious property crime. Since its inception in November 2019, the Gang Task Force has led a number of successful drug trafficking investigations, including the execution of search warrants and drug interdiction traffic stops. These initiatives have taken a significant amount of drugs and firearms off local streets.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
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