Alberta RCMP Traffic Services plays a key role in stopping travelling crime in its tracks; vehicle stops and enforcement initiatives across our provincial highways often lead to major seizures of illicit drugs, illegal contraband, and more.
In 2020, the Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) conducted a total of 47 seizures, which resulted in 1,254,302 doses of illicit drugs being removed from our communities.
The Alberta RCMP RTU is a specialized team tasked not only with carrying out traffic safety enforcement, but also detecting and disrupting potential criminal activity.
In addition to removing various illegal substances from Alberta’s roads, the unit also seized over $95,000 in currency and other contraband over the past year.
Recent significant seizures:
Lake Louise - from Sept. 27th to Oct. 2nd, 2020, the RTU conducted an enforcement initiative, which resulted in the combined seizure of 48 lb. of illegal cannabis, 6,176 g of cannabis resin/shatter, eight cannabis plants, three pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, six jars of psilocybin spores, 10 g of cocaine, 10 g of methamphetamine, three grams of fentanyl, 15 g of suspected opium, one conducted energy weapon, and $18,000 in Canadian currency.
Additionally, RCMP laid 99 other charges for driving offences. Fines totalled $26,261.
Lake Louise – On Oct. 1st, RTU members conducted a vehicle stop which led to the seizure of approximately 6,148 g of illegal cannabis resin/shatter and a vial with cocaine residue. This quantity of illegal cannabis resin/shatter represents approximately 18,444 cannabis doses.
Jasper – On Dec. 8th, an RTU member’s investigation during a regular traffic stop revealed 40 lb. of illegal cannabis, equating to approximately 54,480 cannabis cigarettes.
“The Alberta RCMP Roving Traffic Unit is essential to preventing organized crime from travelling throughout our province and across our borders,” explains Supt. Gary Graham, RCMP Traffic Services.
“Members are dedicated to patrolling the highways, ensuring our roadways and communities are safe for all Albertans.”
The RTU will continue its important work into the new year and looks forward to serving Albertans in 2021.
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