A targeted drug investigation by the Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) has led to the seizure of carfentanil, along with other drugs.

Cpl. Curtis Peters explained that earlier this month, the CRU began a targeted investigation into the drug trafficking activities of an Airdrie resident.

"Through the course of the investigation, members of the Crime Reduction Unit were able to gather enough evidence to get search warrants for that hotel room as well as a vehicle operated by a man named Cody Costante," said Peters, "He's an Airdrie resident and he's now been charged."

On Sunday (January 7), investigators arrested Costante, 26, and searched his vehicle as well as a hotel room at the Motel 6. During the search, officers found a substance in his vehicle that they believed to be fentanyl.

Because of the safety risks posed by fentanyl, the RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Responce (CLEAR) team, a specialized unit from Edmonton that deals with situations involving hazardous crime scenes along with Airdrie Fire and EMS completed a search of the hotel room and vehicle on Monday (January 8).

Ion scans were completed as part of the search. Scans were done on the seized substances to identify them, and to determine any risk posed by the drug. Following the tests, police have charged Costante with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possession of carfentanil for the purpose of trafficking. He also faces charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Police have also charged another person in this incident.

"There was a female who was also found during the course of this investigation," said Peters, "Her name is Jan-Anne Marie August, a 27 year old female from Calgary. She faces charges for obstruction of a police officer as well as failing to comply with recognizance."

At the time of her arrest, August also had outstanding warrants from Calgary Police Service. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are anticipated for both individuals.

Cpl. Peters said while fentanyl has been seized in Airdrie before, this is the first seizure of carfentanil that he is aware of. 

"Carfentanil is extremely, extremely potent. It does not have any legitimate purpose in the medical field for humans. It's only supposed to be used for tranquilizing large animals like white rhinos and African bull elephants, that's what its intended purpose is."

Carfentanil is approximately 5,000 times as potent as heroin, and only takes micrograms to be a lethal dose. The carfentanil seized in this incident was found mixed with heroin. Peters explained the presence of carfentanil with other drugs can lead to overdose, as a user may unknowingly use an amount of a drug they think they can tolerate without knowing carfentanil has been mixed in, resulting in death.

 

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