A national drug trafficking investigation that started in Winnipeg two years ago has ended with one of the larger cocaine seizures in recent Edmonton history.
On April 16, Edmonton Police Service and Parkland RCMP executed a search warrant near 109 Street and Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton. Inside, officers found approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of roughly $8 million, 176 grams of methamphetamine, about 50 pounds of a buffing agent used to cut drugs, a firearm and ammunition, and $30,000 in cash.
Kreston David, 26, was arrested and faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking on five counts, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, and proceeds of crime. His charges have not been proven in court.
Two Years in the Making
The Edmonton seizure did not happen in isolation. In May 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service opened an investigation into drug trafficking activity in Manitoba. Over two years, that probe expanded to include the EPS, RCMP, and Ontario Provincial Police. It concluded this month with 33 arrests across the country, according to a separate release from the WPS.
Edmonton and Parkland RCMP entered the investigation in February 2026 after intelligence sharing with Winnipeg identified a local connection. The April search warrant was the result of that joint work.
What Was Seized
Officers recovered approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine street value roughly $8 million along with 176 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 50 pounds of buffing agent used to dilute drugs before street-level sale, a firearm and ammunition, and $30,000 in cash.
What Police Said
"We're pleased our partners at the Winnipeg Police Service brought their large-scale investigation to a successful conclusion, and that EPS officers were able to locate and arrest a suspect in Edmonton found with more than 80 kilograms of drugs," said S/Sgt. Jen McCann of the EPS Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit. "Strong partnerships and intelligence sharing are essential to disrupting drug trafficking across the country."
EPS says it is not looking for additional suspects in connection with the Edmonton portion of the investigation.
SOURCES:
Edmonton Police Service media release, May 20, 2026 — MRU #26R048
