Drugs and firearms seized during drug bust in Calgary (photo courtesy of ALERT)

By Liam Verster

Two arrested in Calgary Drug Bust

$1-million worth of drugs seized in Calgary drug bust

Apr 29, 2021 | 9:33 AM

On April 16, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Calgary searched two homes as part of an ongoing investigation to disrupt the opioid market, where officers discovered and seized approximately 20,000 doses of fentanyl and six firearms.

ALERT seized over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl (4,505 grams) along with 353 grams methamphetamine, 13 grams of cocaine and 17 kilograms of buffing agents (17,146 grams), with a street value of roughly $1,000,000. Officers also seized $30,000 in cash during the search of the homes.

“Fentanyl has been a scourge in our communities and organized crime is responsible. ALERT will remain ruthless in our pursuit of drug dealers, and investigations like these, demonstrate our success in getting harmful drugs off the street,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO, in a release.

Nicholas Rybenko (39) and Wessen Vandenhoek (35) were arrested during the searches, and 39 charges have been laid against them.

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort to remove drugs, particularly fentanyl and other opioids, from Alberta’s streets. The million dollar seizure is the biggest bust to date since operations began in 2018 to stem the flow of street drugs in the province.

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ALERT teams, working in tandem with other regional police and RCMP forces, have conducted over 100 investigations throughout the province and have seized 18 kilograms of fentanyl powder and just over 250,000 fentanyl pills.

ALERT asks that anyone who suspects drug or gang activity in their community to call local police, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).