The lab closed in July 2021 after Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) reported that more than 31 kilograms of fentanyl and precursors were seized, along with 7,600 kilograms of chemicals used in fentanyl production. Eighteen pistols, a rifle, vehicles, trailers and a boat were also seized by police during a police investigation into Project Essence.

		Read more: $ 300 million worth of drugs seized as fentanyl “superlab” dismantled in Alberta province

Now, almost a year later, several arrests have been made after investigators “completed the required reports and revelations about the Crown Counsel”. The story goes on under the ad In a press release Wednesday, the group said the suspects had been charged with various offenses ranging from fentanyl production to criminal conspiracy. Suspects facing charges include:

Jesse Deranger, a 28-year-old man from Edmonton Juan Galan, a 55-year-old from Okotoks Gregory Hebb, a 45-year-old from Okotoks Dakota Hogg, a 27-year-old man from Edmonton Christopher Loyie, a 33-year-old man from Edmonton Jonathon Loyie, a 35-year-old man from Edmonton Chad Lowe, a 33-year-old man from Edmonton Sierra Meuller, a 19-year-old woman from Edmonton Ryan Simpson, a 41-year-old from Okotoks Graham Thomas, a 32-year-old man from Edmonton

To see the full list of charges, click here. 4:37 All hands on deck for huge fentanyl super workshop in rural Alberta: ALERT All hands on deck for huge fentanyl super workshop in rural Alberta: ALERT – September 1, 2021 In a press release, ALERT reported that an expert analysis by Health Canada Laboratory on the seized substances had been completed and showed that one of the seized substances, originally reported as 10.5 kilograms of synthetic opioid, was in fact isotonitazine. The story goes on under the ad “Isotonitazene – an illicit drug regulated under Annex I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act – is a synthetic opioid believed to be more potent than fentanyl,” the press release said. To date, the amount of isotonitazene seized as a result of the ALERT investigation is the largest seizure of this substance in North America. Drugs worth more than $ 300 million were seized during the ALERT Project Essence, which tested 13 search warrants on July 7, 2021, in Edmonton and Calgary. A fentanyl superlaboratory was also located in Aldersyde, Alta. Courtesy, ALERT An almost year-long investigation by ALERT into the drug crash began in February when ALERT said it had received information about attempts to import a 563kg consignment of a chemical used to make fentanyl. Police said Project Essence covered all aspects of fentanyl production, from the import to the accumulation and storage of equipment and crude chemicals, to the production and final distribution. The research cost about $ 75,000 due to the cost of disposing of chemicals and laboratory-related restrictions. The story goes on under the ad

		Read more: More than $ 2 million in drugs, cash confiscated after drug pipeline shut down: ALERT

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community are encouraged to call the local police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Related News © 2022 Global News, part of Corus Entertainment Inc.