Two unrelated RCMP traffic stops along the Trans-Canada Highway have resulted in the seizure of more than 60,000 painkiller tablets and 159 kg (350 lbs) of marijuana.
“These two seizures are very, very large,” said Inspector Garrett Woolsey of the RCMP Serious and Organized Crime. “We know that organized crime is implicitly involved in seizures of this magnitude.”
“When these seizures are made, an RCMP unit is immediately notified of what has happened. At the Serious and Organized Crime level, we dispatch specialized investigators, investigators with training in money laundering, narcotics enforcement and proceeds of crime specialists.”
On Friday, November 21, members of the Brooks RCMP detachment noticed a transport truck and trailer travelling on Highway 1 near the City of Brooks with improperly sealed doors. The vehicle was stopped and the subsequent investigation revealed 159 kg of marijuana concealed amidst the trailer’s cargo.
The shipment was destined for Ontario and has originated in B.C.
Brooks RCMP and the RCMP Serious Organized Crime Section continue to investigate the incident. No charges have been laid in connection to the marijuana seizure.
On November 17, officers stopped a vehicle for a speeding violation at a location just west of Calgary. During the search of the suspect vehicle, officers located a hidden compartment containing 60,000 fentanyl tablets, often referred to as fake Oxycontin.
27-year-old Pasang Sherpa of Calgary was arrested for drug possession and charged in connection to the contraband pill seizure. Sherpa made his first court appearance on Wednesday morning.
“Enhanced traffic safety is a high priority for the RCMP," said Insp. Woolsey. "One of the reasons you’re seeing more seizures like this is because of increased police activity, increased RCMP activity, on provincial highways.”
RCMP have not released the estimated street value of the seized drugs.
