Edmonton drug raid nets $1M in fentanyl and meth

In a significant operation by the Edmonton Police Service, authorities conducted a drug raid that resulted in the seizure of over 66 kilograms of various hard drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. The total value of the drugs confiscated exceeded $1 million, marking this event as one of the largest drug busts in the city’s history. The investigation, which spanned several months, focused on inter-provincial trafficking, highlighting the ongoing issue of drug distribution in the region. During the raid, police also discovered five handguns, three of which were loaded, and two had defaced serial numbers. The firearms included one that originated from the United States and two that were reported stolen in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Additionally, four vehicles with hidden compartments were seized, along with approximately $20,000 in cash, indicating the scale of the operation and the resources involved in the trafficking activities. Three male suspects were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking operation, facing multiple charges related to drug and firearm offenses. Jesse Koble, 29, has been charged with 27 offenses, while Mitchell Steeg, 31, faces nine charges, and Steven Santillana, 34, has two charges against him. This operation underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug-related crime in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. The Edmonton Police Service has reported a significant number of firearms seized this year, with 538 confiscated to date, compared to 679 at the same time last year. This trend reflects the persistent issue of illegal firearms in conjunction with drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and enforcement efforts in the community.