Grande Prairie… A Grande Prairie drug dealer was sentenced to eight years in prison for his past role in one of the city’s largest drug busts.

Khristopher Ali was convicted of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and was handed an eight-year prison sentence in a Grande Prairie courtroom on February 12, 2019. The 30-year-old man was arrested as part of two separate ALERT investigations.

“A prison sentence of this magnitude should serve as a strong deterrent to those involved in the drug trade, especially those who sell fentanyl,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT organized crime and gangs.

In September 2017, Ali was arrested with 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, 573 grams of methamphetamine and 1,476 fentanyl pills. At the time of the seizure, it was considered one of Grande Prairie’s largest drug busts.

Ali was arrested by ALERT for a second time in January 2018. He was arrested during a traffic stop in Fairview, Alta., and found to be in possession of 370 grams of cocaine. 

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.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.