In late 2021, members of the Maskwacis RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) became aware of individuals trafficking drugs into the communities of Maskwacis, City of Wetaskiwin and Wetaskiwin County, Alta. To address this, Project Mastodon was launched. In the following months, Maskwacis GIS would conduct a complete and thorough investigation focusing on disrupting and dismantling the drug trafficking network.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, Maskwacis GIS simultaneously executed search warrants at three locations in a joint operation with the Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin RCMP General Duty Members, Wetaskiwin GIS, the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and Wetaskiwin Police Dog Services (PDS). As a result, police located and seized the following items:
- Six long barreled rifles
- One revolver
- 45 grams of Cocaine, valued at $4500
- A significant amount of Canadian currency
- Body armour
Police also learned that one of the firearms recovered was stolen from a previous break and enter from the Wainwright, Alta. area.
A 36-year-old male from Wetaskiwin was charged with one count of Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking.
A 35-year-old male from Wetaskiwin was charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking cocaine.
- Possession of a Thing with Intent to Produce crack-cocaine.
"Drug trafficking has no borders, and this is a great example of two detachments working together with the goal of making or communities safer and a better place for everyone to live." says Staff Sergeant Richard McKay of the Maskwacis RCMP. "We won't tolerate individuals bringing illegal drugs into our community, and this seizure prevents that. Our detachment members work hard to honour the traditions and culture of the people of Maskwacis, which has been passed on by the Elders. Thank you to the Wetaskiwin RCMP for your help, and we look forward to continue building an already great relationship."
Both males were held for bail hearings. The 36-year-old male was released by a Justice of the Peace with conditions and the 35-year-old male was remanded into custody. Both are scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected. If you have any information on illegal drug activity in the Maskwacis area, please contact Maskwacis RCMP at (780) 585-4600 or your local police. If you want 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.