Cochrane and Calgary homes involved in $80,000 drug bust

An investigation by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) seized more than $80,000 of cocaine and methamphetamine, alongside a loaded handgun, after homes in Cochrane and Calgary were searched on Feb. 8.

ALERT was established and funded by the Alberta Government. It is complied of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources and is committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team, with the help of Cochrane RCMP and Calgary Police Service, searched the homes that were located in the area of Heritage Boulevard in Cochrane, and the Calgary Neighbourhoods of Acadia and Montgomery.

The houses were searched as part of an investigation that started in December 2023 after information brought to ALERT regarding suspected drug trafficking taking place in Cochrane and Calgary areas.

By working with ALERT, Sgt. Matt Pumphery of the Cochrane RCMP said it prevented the possibility of creating larger problems that stem from drug trafficking.

Any time you have drug trafficking taking place in a smaller community the subsequent issues related to addiction, violence, and property issues are going to be amplified,” Pumphrey said. “Working together with ALERT, we were able to address the issue in a timely manner and keep out community safe.”

Approximately $80,000 worth drugs were seized by ALERT. This includes one loaded handgun, 387 grams of cocaine, 746 grams of methamphetamine, and $10,015 in cash.

The handgun was previously reported as stolen in a break and enter in 2023, and will be submitted for forensic analysis by the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab to determine if it was used for any other crimes.

60-year-old Kenneth Funk was charged with 10 criminal offences related to drugs and firearms. He was released from custody to await his next scheduled court appearance on Mar. 18.

ALERT advises anyone who suspects drug or gang activity in their community to call local police, or do so anonymously by contacting crime stoppers via 1-800-222-8477.