ALERT Fort McMurray Drug Seizure
FORT McMURRAY — Six people have been charged following a drug trafficking investigation that led police to seize more than a quarter-million dollars’ worth of drugs, firearms and cash in Fort McMurray.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams says its Fort McMurray organized crime unit carried out search warrants at four homes and six vehicles between Jan. 16 and Jan. 30. Wood Buffalo RCMP assisted with the warrant executions.
Police say the searches were part of a five-month investigation into alleged drug trafficking in the Fort McMurray area.
“Taking harmful drugs off the street and guns out of the hands of drug dealers is a top priority for ALERT and a double win for public safety,” Staff Sgt. Mark Wait of ALERT Fort McMurray said in a statement.
ALERT says officers seized drugs with an estimated street value of about $264,000, including 1,786 grams of cocaine, 753 grams of methamphetamine and 80 grams of fentanyl.
Police also seized four firearms — three handguns and a sawed-off shotgun — along with two vehicles believed to be proce
Mia Franco Betharte has not been located. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.
eds of crime and about $30,000 in cash.
The firearms will undergo forensic testing and ballistic analysis, ALERT said.
Six people face a combined total of 48 charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offences.
Those charged are Humzah Tariq, 30, of Calgary; Joshua Flores-Hilario, 37, of Fort McMurray; Selim Messier, 25, of Calgary; Mia Franco Betharte, 28, of Calgary; Trevor Verge, 28, of Fort McMurray; and Jessica Myers, 24, of Fort McMurray.
Police say Franco Betharte has not been located and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity are encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
ALERT is funded by the Alberta government and brings together specialized law enforcement resources from across the province to address serious and organized crime.
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