DRUG BUST NETS GUNS

Four face 50 charges

Thousands of deadly fentanyl pills, cocaine, $70,000 and stolen guns have been seized after a four-month investigation by the city police gang unit.

Four people, all from Edmonton, are collectively facing more than 50 charges after Edmonton Gang and Drug Enforcement (EDGE) officers executed search warrants June 20 at three south Edmonton homes and three vehicles.

And two of those vehicles — a Dodge truck and an Acura sedan — contained hidden compartments stuffed with an assortment of drugs, police said Tuesday.

Close to 3,000 fentanyl pills with a street value nearing $120,000 along with 1.4 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $144,000 and methamphetamine with a wholesale value between $87,000 and $192,000 were among the seized contraband from the homes and vehicles.

About 11 kilograms of a cocaine cutting agent, phenacetin, was also retrieved. It has a street value of $33,000.

Firearms seized include a stolen 9mm Luger SR9 handgun, a stolen .22-calibre Ruger new model Super Single Six revolver and a stolen .357-calibre Beretta Stampede six-shot revolver. More than 500 rounds of ammunition were also located.

Acting Staff Sgt. Guy Pilon said the investigation launched in February after EDGE officers came across information about the group while working on another file.

Pilon said as significant as the drug seizure is, “more significantly the three firearms are off the streets.”

All of the restricted handguns seized had been reported stolen to the RCMP.

Pilon said investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection to this group.

Victor Tu, 30, and Roseanne Rivera, 30, are both facing myriad charges including possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to public, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Minh Trung Tran, 39, and Stacy Liew, 32, are also each charged with possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

SHAUGHN BUTTS Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement officers arrested and charged four people allegedly involved in a drug operation, seizing guns, cash and street drugs, Acting Staff Sgt. Guy Pilon said Tuesday.