Red Deer RCMP arrested five people and laid 50 charges following a multi-agency investigation, which led to a series of drug busts and resulted in one of the largest drug seizures in Red Deer history.
Red Deer RCMP began their investigation into a drug trafficking ring in central Alberta in late June, 2018, and that investigation quickly led to ties with drug trafficking activity in Airdrie, Alta., and Calgary. The Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section unit collaborated with Red Deer ALERT, Airdrie RCMP, Calgary Police Service and Calgary Federal Serious and Organized Crime units to execute a series of coordinated search warrants for one vehicle and four residences in Red Deer, Calgary, Airdrie and Rocky View County on Aug. 8, 2018.
As a result of those five search warrants, the following were seized by police:
- 1.67 kg cocaine
- 1.26 kg fentanyl
- 1.44 kg ketamine
- 2.61 kg methamphetamine
- 3.5 kg cannabis
- 261 g psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- 22 g heroin
- 6 litres of hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
- More than 200 other tablets of various controlled substances (fentanyl, oxycodone, diazepam)
- Nine firearms and ammunition
- More than $61,000 in Canadian currency
"This is one the most significant drugs seizures we've seen in Red Deer," said Inspector Dean LaGrange, of the Red Deer RCMP. "It was the direct result of a coordinated effort across several partner agencies, and great team work and determination among our members. It also serves as an important reminder to traffickers that there are consequences to trafficking drugs in this province – our members are skilled investigators trained in detection of drug trafficking and you will be caught."
As a result of the coordinated efforts of this investigation, five individuals were arrested and 50 charges were laid.
Steve Tuan Minh Do (42) of Calgary is facing 40 charges, including:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x20)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x10)
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition (x10)
Steve Tuan Minh Do was released from custody after a judicial hearing and will be appearing in Calgary Provincial Court on Apr. 3, 2019.
Beau Charles Burles (32) of Edmonton has been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x4)
Hayley Van Dellen (32) of Edmonton has been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x4)
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
Burles and Van Dellen were both released from custody after a judicial hearing and will appearing in Red Deer Provincial Court on March 7, 2019.
The investigation continues and further charges are anticipated.