On Oct. 16, 2024, Didsbury RCMP initiated an investigation after information was received that suspects were using a butane extractor as well as in possession of multiple controlled substances. Didsbury RCMP requested assistance from Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU).
The investigation resulted in two search warrants being executed. With the assistance of the RCMP's Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, Didsbury RCMP and Old's CRU, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Carstairs, Alta. while Airdrie CRU executed a search warrant at an Airdrie business.
During the search of the Carstairs residence, a butane extractor (called a BHO lab by CLEAR) was located. This extractor is volatile in nature if not monitored/operated correctly, and possessed an explosion/fire risk to the public of Carstairs. Also seized at this residence was the following:
- Approximately 250 illicit cannabis plants
- Approximately 10 pounds of psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- Three firearms
- A taser
- Multiple ounces of cannabis extracts
During the search of the Airdrie business, a male suspect was arrested. At the time the suspect was in possession of the following:
- 55.9 grams suspected cocaine, pre-packaged for 3 individual sales;
- 6.4 grams of suspected MDMA, pre-packaged for 13 individual sales;
- Approx. 48 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms
- Assorted regulated CBD/THC products (balms and tinctures);
- 26 packages of illicit cannabis edibles;
- Approx. 1.3 kgs of cannabis believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
- 567 g of suspected hash believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
- Approx. 160 grams of suspected cannabis extracts believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
- A taser
A 59-year-old individual, a resident of Carstairs, has been charged with the following:
- Assault
- Uttering threats (x2)
- Trafficking Controlled Substance (MDMA)
- Possession of a prohibited weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized (Taser)
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to Order (x3)
- Careless use (storage) of a firearm (x2)
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x2)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (PPT) controlled substance (x4) Cocaine, Psilocybin and MDMA
- Making shatter with the use of butane (production of cannabis by the use of an organic solvent) - S.12(1)(B) Cannabis Act (CA)
- Possessing shatter made personally (not made by governing body) - Sec. 8(1)(b) Cannabis Act.
- Trafficking (sell) illicit Cannabis - Sec. 10(1)(a) CA.
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (selling) illicit Cannabis - Sec. 10(2) CA.
- An organization is prohibited from possessing cannabis - Sec. 8(1)(f) CA
After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was released on $500 bail to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on April 10, 2025.
The investigation continues.