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Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect updated dollar values of the drugs with new estimates by the Edmonton Police Service.

Four people have been charged after a lengthy investigation by Edmonton police related to drug trafficking.

The Edmonton Drug and Gang Section started the investigation in February.

On June 20, members of the drug and gang section executed search warrants at three locations in southeast and southwest Edmonton, which included three vehicles – two with hidden compartments, police said.

READ MORE: More than $600K of drugs seized after illegal online dispensary shut down

Police said they found more three kilograms of methamphetamine and one kilogram of cocaine in one of the hidden compartments.

Edmonton police say a centre console, with a hidden compartment, contained approximately three kg of methamphetamine and one kg of cocaine. Edmonton Police Service, Courtesy

Staff Sgt. Guy Pilon with the Edmonton Police Service said the hidden vehicle compartments were very sophisticated.

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“They are commercially, illegally manufactured, which articulate with a series of micro-switches and hydraulic pistons to open and close. When they’re open they can access the drugs, the cash, the weapons. When they’re closed they don’t look like there’s anything there, they hide it very well,” Pilon explained.

Watch below: In January 2017, Edmonton police demonstrated to Global News the intricate steps taken to open a hidden compartment inside a truck’s centre console.

2:02 Edmonton police showcase hidden compartment found in truck during drug investigation Edmonton police showcase hidden compartment found in truck during drug investigation

Police seized more than $500,000 in drugs in total, which included 2,968 fentanyl pills that have a street value of $118,720.

“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more fentanyl on the street and the number of opioid poisonings is increasing,” Pilon said.

“That’s fentanyl that’s not getting on the street to be misused.” Tweet This

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READ MORE: Police say Historic fentanyl seizure in Edmonton ‘complex’, drug operation ‘innovative’

The seizure included 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of $143,800; 122 grams of cocaine base worth $12,000 on the street; and 4.1 kilograms of methamphetamine with a street value of between $87,000 and $192,000.

Related News Edmonton police seize more than $122K worth of drugs and cash in vehicle stop

Nearly 12 litres of GHB with a street value of $9,440 was also seized, along with 11 kilograms of phenacetin – a cutting agent for cocaine – worth $33,000.

“It appears to be a fairly well organized group that are distributing drugs throughout Edmonton,” Pilon said.

“It talks about the level of distribution and the amount of money they’re putting in to conceal their drugs, weapons and cash.”

Police said $70,575 in cash was also seized during the search warrants, as well as three stolen firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

“Drug trafficking is a dangerous operation and drug traffickers will often arm themselves with weapons in order to protect their cash, their drugs or themselves,” Pilon said.

Pilon described the overall investigation and seizure as significant.

“Number one, we’re getting the drugs off the street and more significantly, the three firearms that are here are off the street.”

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2,968 fentanyl pills are seized in an Edmonton police investigation, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Dave Carels / Global News Edmonton police display, drugs, ammunition and weapons that were seized in a drug trafficking investigation, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Dave Carels, Global News Edmonton police seize hundreds of rounds of ammunition in a drug trafficking investigation, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Dave Carels, Global News Edmonton Police Service Staff Sgt. Guy Pilon showcases drugs seized following lengthy investigation. Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Fletcher Kent, Global News Edmonton Police Service Staff Sgt. Guy Pilon showcases drugs seized following lengthy investigation. Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Fletcher Kent, Global News

READ MORE: Suspected fentanyl lab confirmed at Sturgeon County home raided last week

Victor Tu, 30, Roseanne Rivera, 30, Minh Trung Tran, 39, and Stacy Liew, 32, have been charged with dozens of offences related to the investigation.

Pilon said police are not looking for anyone else related to this investigation.

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