GHB Seizure in Edmonton Prompts Warning

Edmonton… A significant seizure of gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, commonly known as GHB, has prompted a warning from Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) about the drug’s dangers.

ALERT Edmonton, an integrated team consisting of Alberta Sheriffs, the Edmonton Police Service, and RCMP members, seized 8.5 litres of GHB from a northeast Edmonton home on June 18. The GHB seizure is the largest of its kind by ALERT and four people have been arrested.

GHB is colourless and odourless, and is commonly referred to as the “date-rape drug” but is usually abused as a party drug. In this instance, the GHB was being sold in water bottles and would be almost indistinguishable for the untrained eye. Even a small drink from an unsuspecting person or child could lead to fatal results.

Last year ALERT teams from across the province seized 8 litres of GHB.

In addition to GHB, ALERT seized methamphetamine, illicit prescription pills, ammunition, and six firearms. All of the guns were seized from a vehicle at the home. Two of the guns, a shotgun and a handgun, were previously reported stolen from Edmonton and Calgary, respectively.

ALERT seized the following evidence as result of the search:

• 5 litres of GHB;
• 47 grams of methamphetamine;
• 131 Percocet pills;
• 121 Valium pills;
• 6 firearms;
• Ammunition;
• $16,110 in cash proceeds of crime;

A total of 44 charges relating to drugs, guns, stolen property, and breaches, have been laid against four individuals:

• Mark Boivin, 31;
• Chantel Garnier, 31;
• Kevin Kurach, 58;
• Aaron Watt, 19.

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 Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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