On Feb. 2, 2022, the Lac La Biche RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, and Lac La Biche RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Lac La Biche following a contraband tobacco investigation.
As a result of the search, 119 full packs of illegal tobacco with a total of 2,380 cigarettes, and packaging for 409 additional packages of illegal tobacco. In addition, a shotgun, ammunition and a quantity of drugs were seized, including 21 grams of cocaine. Multiple Cell phones, scales and a large quantity of small baggies that are indicative of drug trafficking were also seized.
A 53-year-old male of Lac La Biche was arrested and is charged with the following:
- Selling, etc. of tobacco products and raw leaf tobacco
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I: Cocaine
- Weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization
- Fail to comply with probation order (x2)
Following a judicial hearing, he was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on March 7, 2022.
As these matters are now before the courts, no further details can be provided.