In November of 2023, staff from the Correctional Service of Canada at the Drumheller institution reported to Drumheller RCMP that they located a package containing methamphetamine, cell phones, nicotine patches and fentanyl. Drumheller RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) officers initiated a drug trafficking investigation and located a drone near the Drumheller Institution believed to be used to smuggle the contraband into the institution.
As the investigation progressed, Drumheller GIS obtained assistance from Several RCMP units including the Federal Policing Northwest Region's Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Cold Lake GIS, Cold Lake General Duty, Digital Forensic Services, Forensic Identification Section, Firearm Support Services, the National Firearms Tracing Centre, and also from the Edmonton Police Service Robbery Unit.
April 17, 2024, RCMP officers from the Drumheller GIS, Cold Lake GIS, and Cold Lake Detachment executed a search warrant on a residence on 8 Street in Cold Lake, Alberta. As a result of the search warrant, police located supporting evidence of drug trafficking into an institution; including drones and drone parts. Also located was a loaded handgun. the same date, Drumheller GIS executed a search warrant on a vehicle, believed related, that was seized by the Edmonton Police Robbery Unit. Additional evidence supporting drug trafficking into an institution was located; including cell phones and evidence of drone use.
As a result of this investigation, a 39-year-old individual, a resident of Cold Lake, Alta., and a 34-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, were jointly charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit the indictable offence of Trafficking a Controlled Drug; and
- Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.
In addition, the 39-year-old individual, and a 26-year-old individual, a resident of Bonnyville, Alta., were jointly charged with:
- Possession of a Prohibited Firearm;
- Possession of a firearm without holding a license; and
- Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number on it had been altered, defaced or removed.
Additionally, the 39-year-old individual is charged with:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; and
- Possession of a Firearm while being prohibited from doing so.
The 26-year-old individual was arrested by Cold Lake GIS on Jan. 21, 2025, and released on an undertaking and is to appear in the Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on March 21, 2025.
The 39-year-old individual is currently in custody on unrelated matters and is to appear in Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on March 28, 2025.
An arrest warrant was issued for the 34-year-old individual whom was arrested by Wetaskiwin RCMP on Jan.30, 2025, and awaits a bail hearing.
If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590 or contact your local Police Service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.