LLOYDMINSTER - Alberta’s organized crime and gang team has expanded into Saskatchewan and arrested two suspected drug dealers.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) arrested Travis Cromartie, 36, and Katherine Cromartie, 57, on Sept. 1. They raided a house in Lloydminster with the help of Lloydminster RCMP and seized 173 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and $7,340 cash.
Mike Tucker, communications director for ALERT, said the two were arrested on the Alberta side of Lloydminster but added that they were operating on both sides.
“They had expanded to Saskatchewan,” he said in a phone interview Sept. 16.
The ALERT specialized team extended their operations to Lloydminster in November 2020.
"ALERT has long recognized the impact of organized crime in Lloydminster region and its position as a transitory route for drug smuggling between provinces,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.
“ALERT will bring specialized tools and resources to Lloydminster, and conduct targeted investigations related to drug trafficking, gangs and firearms offences.”
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of Alberta's most sophisticated law enforcement resources aimed at tackling serious and organized crime.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
Lloydminster borders the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. They share an RCMP detachment, which is on the Alberta side.
