Fentanyl seized as part of Project Coyote by ALERT - Photo courtesy ALERT

By Charles Lefebvre

Project Coyote

ALERT charges seven in cross-border drug trafficking investigation

Nov 14, 2019 | 10:40 AM

CALGARY, AB — The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in Calgary has made its largest ever drug seizure following a cross-border investigation.

ALERT announced the results of Project Coyote, a two-year investigation which saw seven people arrested, and the seizure of $15 million with of drugs, over $4.5 million in cash and assets and 13 firearms. The investigation was a partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

ALERT says 250,000 fentanyl pills were seized, which is believed to be the largest ever seizure in Canada. The fentanyl was seized in Calgary Apartment in February 2018. No arrests were made at the time of the seizure.

Fentanyl seized during Project Coyote – Photo courtesy ALERT

The investigation also saw an 81 kilogram shipment of cocaine intercepted in Texas in May 2019. ALERT says the cocaine was destined for Canada. Officers also seized five kilograms of methamphetamine, a 7,626 methamphetamine and ecstasy pills.

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Cocaine bricks seized in Texas during Project Coyote – Photo courtesy ALERT

The most recent arrest took place on October 3, 2019. Seven people in total were arrested and are facing a total of 77 charges. Those charged include:

• Warren Lowe, a 53-year-old man from Calgary;
• Elizabeth Fisher, a 49-year-old woman from Calgary;
• Richard Fisher, a 44-year-old man from Calgary;
• Emanuel Amha, a 30-year-old man from Calgary;
• Olivier Kenge, a 52-year-old man from Calgary;
• Cole Leblanc, a 30-year-old man from Calgary; and
• Victoria Pon, a 29-year-old woman from Vancouver.

Lowe is alleged to have overseen a drug distribution network from British Columbia to Ontario, while Fisher is alleged to have been involved in facilitating supply lines. Fisher was arrested with the 81 kilograms of cocaine in Texas, and has remained in a Texas prison since. She will appear in Houston Court on March 2, 2020, and a Canadian warrant has been applied for her arrest, a release says.

Lowe is facing 23 charges, including multiple organized crime related charges, money laundering, drug trafficking and firearm charges. Fisher is facing 12 charges, including organized crime and drug trafficking charges.

A full list of charges laid can be found here.