ALERT Makes Quick Work of Edmonton Drug Dealer

Edmonton… More than $200,000 worth of drugs, including thousands of packages of cannabis resin, was seized after ALERT searched a west Edmonton home.

ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime and gang team made the seizure on April 4, 2017, to conclude a two-day investigation. A home in Edmonton’s Canora neighbourhood was searched and two people were arrested.

A search of the home turned up approximately eight kilograms of dried marijuana and 2.5 kilograms of cannabis resin, also known as “shatter.” The cannabis resin was individually packaged in one-gram packets and gave the false impression of being medical grade.

Cannabis resin is a marijuana derivative that is highly potent; its THC content can be up to 90 per cent, while regular marijuana is usually between eight and 15 per cent. Cannabis resin is manufactured by organized crime using flammable gases like butane, and represents a significant fire risk.

Banu Layik, a 39-year-old woman, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Wyatt Cherneske, a 22-year-old man, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

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.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Notice to media: High-resolution photos of cannabis resin packets are available for download: Single | Multiple