In October of 2023, the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) Section initiated an investigation into the activities of the accused, Jeremy Manuel, 23. The investigation culminated in search warrants executed at a residence in Leduc, Alberta, two storage facilities in Edmonton and Calmar, Alberta and two vehicles belonging to Manuel.
As a result of these search warrants, police seized approximately 15 kg of cocaine, almost 11 kg of MDMA, 270 tabs of LSD, 21 grams of methamphetamine, 863 oxycodone pills, and 6 kg of the buffing agent phenacetin. Indicia of trafficking, including a hydraulic press, were also seized. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.
Investigators also seized five firearms, almost $80,000 in cash and a vehicle with a sophisticated hidden compartment.
Items seized in search warrants
Manuel was charged with 10 counts of drug-trafficking-related offences, two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime and unsafe storage of a firearm.
“This was a significant drug seizure, removing kilograms of cocaine and MDMA and smaller quantities of other drugs from our city streets,” says Staff Sergent David Paton, with EPS’ EDGE (Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement) Section. “EDGE Section would like to thank the Leduc, Alberta RCMP for their assistance with this investigation, as well as our law enforcement partners in British Columbia.”