ALERT cuts off $2M 'drug pipeline' operating between B.C. and Alberta

Twelve suspects have been arrested after a two-year police investigation into a "drug pipeline" between British Columbia and Alberta.

Fifty-nine charges have been laid against the suspects and more than $2 million in drugs and cash was seized,the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) reported Wednesday.

Project Elder was an ALERT Edmonton investigation intointerprovincial wholesale drug distribution.

ALERT alleges that a "high volume of drugs" was being shipped to Alberta involving "a complex scheme that included vehicles equipped with hidden compartments."

The cash proceeds of crime totalled $514,335 and the seizure included:

• 9.3 kilograms of cocaine
• 6 kilograms of methamphetamine
• 684 grams offentanyl powder
• 17.2 kilograms of a cocaine buffing agent
• .40-calibre handgun with suppressor and expanded magazine

ALERT also seized five vehicles equipped with hidden compartments.

The bust represents ALERT'sfourth largest seizure of cocaine, and fourth largest seizure of methamphetamine.