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By Abby Zieverink
PROJECT MAJOR

ALERT charges five individuals following 18-month western Canadian drug investigation

Feb 2, 2022 | 10:45 AM

Five people have been charged and more than $1.6 million in fentanyl and meth were seized in a joint 18-month investigation spanning across parts of western Canada.

The 18-month investigation was conducted between ALERT and RCMP Federal Serious Organized Crime and is called “Project Major.”

ALERT believes this drug trafficking network originated in the lower mainland of British Columbia and fanned out to several western Canadian cities, including Grande Prairie.

The investigation reportedly originated in Medicine Hat and came on the heels of a series of large drug busts in southeastern Alberta in early 2020. ALERT officials say they were able to trace back the drug supply, and leverage criminal intelligence which led them to develop a clearer picture of the criminal organization believed to be responsible.

Authorities say along with more than $1.6 million in meth, fentanyl, and cocaine being seized, police were also able to locate 11 firearms and $82,000 in cash.

The seizures took place during the course of the investigation and included homes being searched in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort St. John, where five members believed to be part of the drug network have been charged with offenses ranging from drug trafficking to conspiracy to traffic drugs to participating in a criminal organization.

Thirty-four-year-old Atta Ul Waheed Sheikh of Fort. St. John has been charged, along with three Calgary residents including 43-year-old Matthew Edwards, 27-year-old Kevin Hind, and 25-year-old Karnvir Sandhu.

Mounties say a warrant has been issued for an additional suspect 40-year-old Dillon Burgie from Calgary, who is presently believed to be somewhere in B.C.

The four face a total of 37 charges ranging from drug trafficking to conspiracy to traffic drugs to participating in a criminal organization.

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.

by Abby Zieverink