An ALERT investigation into Fort McMurray’s drug trafficking activities resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of more than half a million dollars in drugs and cash. ALERT, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ organized crime unit in Fort McMurray lead the two-year operation. Titled Project Fast, the team focused its efforts on investgating drug trafficking activitity in Fort McMurray, Edmonton and B.C.’s lower mainland.
It started in April 2024 with a local drug trafficking network. As the investigation continued, the unit was able to identify network affilations with Edmonton and British Columbia. Investigators teamed with other agencies including Wood Buffalo RCMP, Burnaby RCMP, Coquitlam RCMP, Edmonton Police Service, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit B.C., and Metro Vancouver Transit Police.
“Organized crime is borderless and impacts every community. ALERT brings together a multitude of policing agencies and Project Fast was a coordinated dismantling of a drug dealing network that inflicted crime in several communities,” said Insp. Brad Lundeen, ALERT.
Throughout the investigation five homes were searched: two in Fort McMurray, two in Surrey and one in Coquitlam. On Feb. 18, eight people were charged and officers seized five firearms, and more than half a million dollars in drugs and cash.
The firearms will be submitted for forensic analysis and ballistics firing. Results will help the agency determine if the weapons were used in any other crimes. Total seizures included: $600,000 worth of drugs 5,486 grams of cocaine; 1,036 grams of methamphetamine; $51,000 cash.
Two handguns; Three carbine rifles; One shotgun; Five prohibited extended round magazines; and Various amounts of ammunition. A total of 23 criminal charges have been laid with offences related to drug trafficking against eight people: Jean-Sebastien Thomas, 38 years old from Fort McMurray; Aidan Voyageur, 28 years old from Fort McMurray; Carlos Silva, 34 years old from Grande Prairie; Kalvin Auld, 32 years old from Edmonton; Mohammed Obeidat, 41 years old from Edmonton; Eduardo Gonzalez Rivas, 34 years old from Fort McMurray; Edmond Tohme, 39 years old from Fort McMurray ; Caleb O’Gilvie-Davidson, 25 years old from Fort McMurray. All eight of the suspects were released have been scheduled for their individual court appearances in March 2026.
ALERT, an Alberta Government funded agency, is compilation of resources and law enforcement agencies focused on tackling erious and organized crime in the province. Anyone with information about drug or gang activity can call their local police or they can remain anonymous by using Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
