LAC LA BICHE - The RCMP's Emergency Response Team joined local RCMP and regional crime reduction units in simultaneous raids at two locations within the Lac La Biche townsite Tuesday morning.
Alberta RCMP spokesperson Corp. Troy Savinkoff told the Lac La Biche POST newsroom the raids were part of a "pre-set operation" where search warrants were executed at a home near 99 Avenue and 101 Street, and a hotel room at the Almac Hotel.
While Savinkoff could not immediately provide specific reasons for the search warrants, he said the involvement of the Emergency Response Team indicates the "higher risk search warrants they were executing."
When asked about the proximity of a school to the police activity at the Almac Hotel, Savinkoff said the raids took place in the very early hours and there was no risk to the public.
Details, including any charges stemming from the raids, are expected to be released by RCMP at a later time.
Police vehicles were still at the two locations late into Tuesday morning, as the investigation continues. Police say that despite the remaining police presence, there continues to be no ongoing risk to the public.
