Some Cochrane residents are concerned after RCMP raided four homes last week, in relation to organized crime and drugs.
Some Cochrane residents are concerned after RCMP raided four homes last week, in relation to organized crime and drugs.
Last Thursday morning, Cochrane residents were surprised to hear that Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) and RCMP raided four homes in town.
Three suspects were taken into custody after drugs, guns and cash were seized.
Two of the four homes were confirmed to be in the Sunset community.
“It is disheartening to hear - I hope this won't be a problem in the neighbourhood or we will be moving, ” said a Cochrane resident in the Sunset community who wished not to be named.
“We always thought this was a nice area in a nice community - I don't want to be surrounded by issues where doors are being kicked in. ”
Witnesses noticed windows shattered in one of the houses raided but it was all part of the tactical entry process said Mike Tucker, communications manager for ALERT.
“Despite what social media is saying there were no shootings and no injuries and no public safety concerns, ” Tucker said. “There were no incidents beyond tactical procedures. ”
The raid followed a short three-month investigation by the Cochrane RCMP, where ALERT began investigating the three suspects in June after receiving information from RCMP detachment members about suspected drug trafficking activities.
“You'll find this kind of thing in any neighbourhood … but it is very concerning that it is in our neighbourhood, ” the Cochrane resident commented. “The Cochrane police must be doing a good job. ”
ALERT is still finalizing the total amounts and weights of drugs seized. Among the evidence were cocaine and other materials consistent with drug trafficking including packing materials, scoresheets, scales and a number of cell phones. Two firearms with a large amount of various rounds of ammunition were also seized at one of the residences.
Parker Burrow, 29, Jared Burrow, 25, and Jak Burchell, 26, were charged with drug related offences.
ALERT is currently investigating with assistance from the Cochrane RCMP, and additional charges are being contemplated.
ALERT is an integrated team consisting of Calgary Police Service and RCMP members and is funded by the Alberta Government.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
