Between Feb. 5 and Feb. 10, 2024, Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit engaged in an operation related to drug related criminal activity. The operation was aimed at targeting offenders engaged in the trafficking and possession of controlled substances in Wetaskiwin and Wetaskiwin County.
Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit was able to seize suspected Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Cocaine, which resulted in several charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code.
Four vehicles were found to be without valid registration and were towed, and four mismatched license plates were seized. During one traffic stop, members located an illegal firearm which was found to be stolen out of Morinville in 2017.
After a recent death by suspected overdose of Fentanyl, the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Wetaskiwin. As a result of the search, suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine and Cocaine were located in the residence.
Harold Sjarkey (45), a resident of Wetaskiwin, was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
- Fail to comply with release order x2
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
Sharkey was taken before a Justice of the Peace and has been remanded into custody. He is to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin on Feb. 20, 2024.