On June 25, 2024, Innisfail RCMP with assistance of the RCMP Red Deer Crime Reduction Team and Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit were conducting surveillance on a known drug trafficker and repeat offender. The suspect was observed driving a vehicle, and he was known to police as a suspended driver. The suspect was arrested by police and search incidental to his arrest resulted in the seizure of:
- Canadian currency;
- Methamphetamine;
- Oxycodone;
- Cocaine;
- Psilocybin.
The suspect was also believed to be driving the vehicle while impaired by drugs and subsequently failed a drug recognition expert impaired examination. After his arrest, RCMP obtained a search warrant for the hotel where the suspect was residing. Search of the hotel room resulted in the seizure of a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and other items associated with drug trafficking. The suspect has a lifetime firearm prohibition.
A 42-year-old individual, a resident of Innisfail, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited;
- Possession of ammunition while prohibited;
- Possession of a firearm without holding a licence;
- Offences under the traffic safety act (x4).
A judicial interim release hearing was held and the individual was released by a justice of the peace to appear at the Red Deer Court of Justice on July 11, 2024.