On Feb. 18, 2023, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Downtown Branch patrol officers responded to the area of 97 Avenue and 106 Street to investigate a weapons complaint. Upon arrival the two males involved in the complaint were located, and subsequent investigations led officers to an apartment suite in the immediate area. Observations made in the suite resulted in the officers obtaining a search warrant where they recovered the following:
- Approximately 3.7 kilograms of fentanyl (street value of over $866,000.00)
- Approximately 3.9 kilograms of methamphetamine (street value of over $239,000.00)
- 57.2 grams of cocaine (street value of over $4,000.00)
- Total approximate street value of the drugs seized: over $1,100,000
"This was a substantial drug seizure following an excellent investigation by our Downtown Branch patrol members,” says Superintendent Bart Lawczynski. “As organized drug trafficking continues to disproportionately target our vulnerable populations, particularly in central Edmonton, we are hopeful that a seizure of this magnitude will greatly reduce victimization and increase community safety.”
James Bernard Wing, 32, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3), assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm. Adam Leigh Johnston, 41, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3).