Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit RCMP conducts crime suppression initiative in Calling Lake and Athabasca

February 19, 2021
Athabasca, Alberta

News release

Between Jan. 13, 2021, and Jan. 25, 2021, at the request of the Athabasca RCMP, the Eastern Alberta District (EAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU)—along with the assistance of additional RCMP resources—conducted a targeted crime suppression initiative in the rural communities of Calling Lake, Alta., and Athabasca, Alta.

During this 13-day initiative, the EAD CRU team, along with additional RCMP officers deployed in addition to existing resources already in those communities, assisted with occurrences in Athabasca and in Calling Lake that related to calls for service varying from domestic violence, assaults, missing persons, wanted persons, COVID related complaints, traffic issues, arson and bylaw/curfew related complaints. These did not include traffic violations issued during this time.

As part of this crime suppression initiative, EAD CRU made 13 arrests of individuals on outstanding warrants and subjects who had been identified as problem individuals as part of existing crime reduction strategies.

An arrest of a 46-year-old male led to an investigation by Slave Lake RCMP General Investigation Section, who obtained a search warrant for a residence. The search resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine and heroin, as well as the recovery of a stolen truck, sled, quad and trailer. A 46-year-old male from Calling Lake is facing charges related to possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and fail to comply with conditions.

"This initiative provided an opportunity for members of the community to have an enhanced police presence that contributed to crime reduction," says S/Sgt. Paul Gilligan, Athabasca Detachment Commander. "We value that this initiative has strengthened our working relationship with our communities and appreciate the support that the community members showed our officers."

Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Athabasca RCMP at 780-675-5122 or your local police. 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.

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Contact information

Corporal Deanna Fontaine
Media Relations Officer
Alberta RCMP Media Relations Group
780-995-7310

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