Alberta police have a mission to put a stop to drug trafficking and the crime that often follows it. To this end, they have formed an agency called Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, which unites police from surrounding units, including Edmonton police and RCMP. Investigations into organized crime and other matters of criminal law may take weeks or longer, and police may focus on subjects until they have cause to apprehend a suspect. A recent ALERT investigation resulted in three arrests.

The team made two arrests at separate traffic stops. During the stops, police searched the vehicles and allegedly seized drugs and over $800 in cash. Police say they confiscated weapons, including brass knuckles and a loaded Glock .40 calibre handgun from which someone had filed the serial number.

Reports indicate that the vehicles contained over 500 grams of methamphetamine, which resulted in charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking for a 37-year-old man and 26-year-old man in the vehicles. The two also face numerous weapons offences and may face additional charges if ballistics show the handgun has been used in other crimes. A 19-year-old woman was also charged with drug possession among other charges.

Searches such as those that supposedly netted evidence of wrongdoing must comply with criminal law that protects the rights of those accused. While law enforcement may have noble goals to keep Alberta safe from violent crime, some officers may overstep their boundaries and violate the rights of others. When this happens, there is much on the line, and it is wise for those under arrest to seek legal counsel.