Charges were laid yesterday in relation to a July 2021 raid on a property in Aldersyde that resulted in the seizure of more than 31 kg of fentanyl and 7,600 kg of chemicals used in fentanyl production, the estimated street value pegged at more than $300 million.
An August 2021 video posted by ALERT shows the numerous pieces of equipment used in production of the deadly drug.
Three people from Okotoks were among the group of 10 charged Wednesday as part of ALERT's Project Essence — Juan Galan, 55, Gregory Hebb, 45, and Ryan Simpson, 41.
All three men face 14 charges, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
The full list of those charged with a variety of offences, ranging from fentanyl production to criminal conspiracy, is as follows:
- Jesse Deranger, 28, of Edmonton;
- Juan Galan, 55, of Okotoks;
- Gregory Hebb, 45, of Okotoks;
- Dakota Hogg, 27, of Edmonton;
- Christopher Loyie, 33, of Edmonton;
- Jonathon Loyie, 35, of Edmonton;
- Chad Loyie, 33, of Edmonton;
- Sierra Meuller, 19, of Edmonton;
- Ryan Simpson, 41, of Okotoks;
- Graham Thomas, 32, of Edmonton.
ALERT also seized 10.5 kg of isotonitazene, a synthetic opioid that is believed to be more potent than fentanyl. To date, this quantity of isotonitazene is the largest seizure of the drug in North America.
One kilogram of pure fentanyl is equal to one million doses and a lethal dose is considered to be 2 mg.
ALERT also seized 18 handguns, one rifle, $25,000 in cash and jewelry, six vehicles, four motorcycles, three trailers and a boat. The assets were seized as proceeds of crime.
