31 kg of fentanyl, precursors were seized after July raid of superlab south of Calgary

The dismantling of a fentanyl superlabsouth of Calgary, which was announced in early July, resulted in the seizure of more than 31 kilograms of fentanyl and precursors as well as7,600 kilograms of chemicals used in the production of the drug, according to aprovincial joint-forces agency.

The superlab was one of 13 search warrants carried out by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)on July 7 as part of an ongoing investigation into fentanyl production, dubbed Project Essence, it said in a Tuesday release.

The Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, RCMP and clandestine laboratory response teams were involved in the effort, the agencysaid.

The labwas inAldersyde,which isabout 55 kilometres south of Calgary,while other search locations included homes and businesses in Calgary and Edmonton.

Several suspects were arrested at the superlabin July. ALERT saysmore arrests are pending.

In a followup release on Wednesday, ALERT said one kilogram of pure fentanyl is equal to one million doses, and a lethal dose is considered to be two milligrams.

"If sold on the street, the value of the drugs seized is over $300 million," the release said.

Officers alsoseized 18 handguns, one rifle, $25,000 in cash and jewelry, six vehicles, four motorcycles, three trailersand a boat. The assets were seized as proceeds of crime.

Project Essence began in February 2021 when ALERT learned of an attemptto import a 563-kgshipment of a chemical used in fentanyl production.

"The size and scale of Project Essence is unparalleled in the history of ALERT," Supt. Dwayne Lakustasaid Wednesday at a news conference in Edmonton.

He saidALERT has made it apriority to cut off supply lines and target traffickers of illicit opioids, which are having a devastating impact on Alberta communities.

"Project Essence represents Alberta law enforcement's greatest success to date in the destruction of the illegal opioid market," he said.

Anyone who suspects drug and gangactivity in their communities are encouraged to call local policeorCrime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).