Carfentanil seized
Over the past month, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) became aware that the suspects were in possession of illegal firearms and were involved in drug trafficking.
On Feb. 3, 2021, EPS Tactical conducted a vehicle stop and arrested Greg Lafleur, 37. A search of the vehicle revealed carfentanil, cocaine, methamphetamine and $1980 CAD.
Samantha Whitrow, 34, was arrested later the same day at a Belle Rive area address. A search warrant executed at the residence resulted in the seizure of carfentanil, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and ketamine, as well as $65,000 CAD, one loaded Glock 9mm handgun with the serial number defaced, and numerous loose rounds of ammunition. Police also seized two crossbows from the residence, including a small handheld crossbow that is prohibited by Canadian law.
Items seized from vehicle, residence
Total drugs seized in the investigation amounted to:
- Methamphetamine: 5586 grams, with an estimated street value of $147,517
- Carfentanil: 583 grams with an estimated street value of $102,588
- Cocaine hydrochloride: 477 grams with an estimated street value of $26,873
- MDMA: 222 grams with an estimated street value of $11,725
- Ketamine: 191 grams with an estimated street value of $9,550
Gregory Lafleur, 37, is facing 24 charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking (x8), as well as a number of firearms offences and failure to comply with recognizance charges.
Samantha Whitrow, 34, is facing 9 charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking (x5), as well as a number of firearms offences.
“Firearms investigations are often connected to the illegal drug trade, so our officers frequently deal with drug seizures, but this one was exceptional,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart, with the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit. “This is, to our knowledge, the second largest seizure the EPS has ever seen of the highly potent opioid known as carfentanil, and we’re glad we were able to seize this dangerous drug before it made it to Edmonton streets.”