Alberta police groups receive $8M boost to fight organized crime, extortion

Calgary police investigate a shooting linked to organized crime in the parking lot of a Cactus Club location in the 7000 block of Macleod Trail S.E. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.

The provincial government has announced nearly $8 million in funding to help fight organized crime, extortion and gang activity across Alberta.

The money, a one-time grant, will go to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), Calgary Police Service (CPS), Alberta RCMP and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

The province says the funding will help the organizations buy surveillance, intelligence and digital forensic equipment.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

“This funding ensures police forces across Alberta can stay ahead of evolving threats and respond quickly and decisively to keep families and communities safe,” said Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services.

Breaking down the funding, Calgary police will get $2,240,535, while Edmonton police will get $2,245,550.

CPS Chief Katie McLellan says the financial boost will help provide “critical tools and capabilities” that will allow police to “track offenders, disrupt criminal activity and protect victims.”

Nicole Chapdelaine from EPS says organized crime is increasingly coordinated, technology-enabled and transnational, making investigations “complex and resource-intensive.”

“This funding will help ensure we can continue our work without compromising our ability to respond to the scale and complexity of this type of crime,” she said.

ALERT will be given $1,505,000 of the funding, while Alberta RCMP get $2 million.

“This funding represents a significant investment in strengthening Alberta’s response to organized crime and gang activity,” said Trevor Daroux, deputy commissioner for Alberta RCMP.

“It allows the Alberta RCMP to build on our existing cooperation across agencies and jurisdictions, to respond to crime in a more coordinated, modern and effective way.”

Blayne Eliuk from ALERT says the money will help equip investigators with “intelligence-forward tools and resources” to disrupt criminal operations.