In May of 2023, a prison drug trafficking operation was dismantled following a complex investigation led by Drumheller RCMP General Investigative Services (GIS). Several drones and a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl were seized, and two suspects were charged, including one inmate.
The investigation continued, and RCMP identified a suspect and a suspect inmate who were facilitating the introduction of drugs and phones into the Drumheller Institution via illicit drone flights. On March 15, 2024, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Eckville, Alta. As a result of the search warrant, the following was seized:
- 1.3 Kilograms of Cocaine
- 2.2 Kilograms of Methamphetamine;
- 2.1 grams of Fentanyl
- Canadian currency and a money counter
- Two prohibited weapons
- Two drones
- Cell phones
- A loaded shotgun
- Break in instruments
- A 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 a 2018 GMC Yukon.
Throughout the investigation, multiple RCMP support units were engaged including Sylvan Lake general duty officers, Sylvan Lake GIS, Blackfalds GIS, Digital Forensic Services Unit; Forensic Identification Section (FIS), Special Operations, and more. Also engaged were key partners including Edmonton ALERT Auto Crimes Unit and Drumheller Institution.
As a result of this operation, RCMP have laid numerous charges:
A 39-year-old individual, a resident of Eckville, and a 32-year-old individual, from Drumheller Institution, have jointly been charged with:
- Conspiracy to Commit an indictable offence
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime
In addition, the 39-year-old individual is jointly charged with a 19-year-old individual, a resident of Eckville, with:
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking Possession of Proceeds of Crime
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
- Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
- Possession of Break in Instruments
The 39-year-old individual was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer, Alta., on June 17, 2024 to answer to the charges. A warrant of arrest has been issued for the 19-year-old individual whom remains at large. The 32-year-old individual remains incarcerated and awaits judicial process/court date to answer to the charges.
Drumheller RCMP and partners continue to investigate this matter and additional charges are pending.
Staff Sergeant Robert HARMS of Drumheller RCMP stated, "This was a lengthy and meticulous investigation resulting in the removal of illicit and harmful drugs and weapons from our communities. This is yet another example of numerous RCMP Units and our valued partners working together to ensure safe and secure communities."
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.