On Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, EPS Special Project Team investigators executed a CDSA search warrant at a residence near 74 Street and 78 Avenue in southeast Edmonton. During the clearing of the residence, members observed what appeared to be a marijuana grow-op in the basement, along with various other substances and equipment used to produce drugs.
Further investigation at the residence uncovered volatile chemicals used in drug manufacturing, at which time members of the EPS Clandestine Lab team were called in to safely secure the scene.
Investigators seized the following items from the residence:
- 88 marijuana plants in various stages of growth – value $88,000
- 52.2 grams Methamphetamine – street value $4,520
- 6.1 grams of Fentanyl – street value $1,525
- 25.7 grams of Cocaine – street value $1,865
- 2910 ml of gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) – street value $2,910
- 213 tabs of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) – street value $1,065
- 1284.8 grams of marijuana – street value $9,130
Total value of drugs seized - $109,015
Various weapons were also seized from the scene including:
- Akkar 12-gauge shotgun, loaded with 5 rounds and ready to fire
- Replica firearm (airsoft)
- Conducted energy weapon (CEW)
- Brass knuckles
- Various knives and clubs
Bryan Moyles, 36, and Carleen Schwentke, 20, are facing multiple drug trafficking and production charges and various firearm-related offences.
“We want citizens to be observant of their surroundings,” explained Sgt. Guy Pilon, of the EPS Clan Lab Unit. “Keep an eye on your neighbourhood and nearby properties. We should all be looking out for one another, because criminals certainly won’t.”
Signs of a clandestine drug lab can include:
- Odd chemical odours
- The presence of unusual amounts of solvents (such as camping fuel), acetone, or oxidizers (such as highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide)
- Batteries that have been opened up
- Red or purple stains on surfaces
Pilon also noted, landlords and property managers should also be diligent about doing background checks on new tenants, and be wary of suspicious behavior, such as a renter wanting to pay rent in cash for many months in advance, or a payee who is different than the renter.
Anyone with any information about a potential clan lab operating in their neighbourhood is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.