RCMP has charged three people following a year-long drug trafficking investigation.
According to police, in November of 2023, staff at the Correctional Service of Canada in Drumheller told RCMP that they found a package with methamphetamine, cell phones, fentanyl, and nicotine patches.
RCMP were able to find a drone near the prison that they believe was used to smuggle drugs in.
"As the investigation progressed, Drumheller GIS obtained assistance from Several RCMP units including the Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Cold Lake GIS, Cold Lake General Duty, Digital Forensic Services, Forensic Identification Section, Firearm Support Services, the National Firearms Tracing Centre, and also from the Edmonton Police Service Robbery Unit," mentioned RCMP in a news release.
In April of 2024, officers obtained a search warrant at a house on 8 Street in Cold Lake where they found evidence of drug trafficking into the institution including drones and drone parts.
"Also located was a loaded handgun. On the same date, Drumheller GIS executed a search warrant on a vehicle, believed related, that was seized by the Edmonton Police Robbery Unit. Additional evidence supporting drug trafficking into an institution was located, including cell phones and evidence of drone use," added police.
Chance Dunne from Cold Lake and Daniel Mcdonald from Edmonton were charged with trafficking a controlled drug, and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Charessa Slade from Bonnyville was also charged with possessing a firearm, along with not having a license and knowing that the serial number had been altered or removed.
Dunne was also charged with possessing a firearm while not being allowed to along with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Slade was released on an undertaking and has a court date in Drumheller on March 21, 2025.
Dunne is in custody and will appear in Drumheller court on March 28, 2025.
Mcdonald was arrested by Wetaskiwin RCMP and is waiting on a bail hearing.
Police told StrathmoreNow if residents have any more information about the investigation, they can contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).