Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
In July 2024, Westlock RCMP received information regarding cocaine trafficking in the Westlock area. Once it was discovered that potential suppliers could be located in the St. Albert, Alta., and Edmonton areas, the investigation was extended in order to reach those suspects as well.
Throughout the investigation, Westlock RCMP secured assistance from Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, St. Albert RCMP City – Drug Unit, RCMP ‘K’ Division Special I and RCMP ‘K’ Division Integrated Offender Management, as well as Edmonton Police Service (EPS), in order to complete their investigation.
As a result of these efforts, on May 22, 2025, Westlock RCMP executed five search warrants, with the Edmonton warrants being executed with the assistance of EPS Tactical. Two suspects were arrested and two arrests warrants were issued. The investigation is ongoing with the warrants revealing new information to be actioned upon.
As a result of the search warrants, the following items were seized:
· 105.64 grams of cocaine;
· 7 firearms;
· 3 forged identification documents;
· $12,705 in Canadian Currency; and
· 19 cartons of unstamped cigarettes.
As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old individual and a 46-year-old individual, both residents of Westlock, were arrested and charged with multiple offences, including five counts of trafficking cocaine. A 28-year-old and 27-year-old individuals, both also residents of Westlock, were charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine and warrants have been issued for their arrests.
The 29-year-old and 46-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and both have since been released on conditions. The 46-year-old individual is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Westlock on June 11, 2025 while the 39-year-old is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert on June 16, 2025.
“We wanted to highlight the work that can be accomplished when a detachment takes the lead on a file and has access to multiple specialized units and partnerships to complete their investigation” said Supt. Anthony Hanson, Acting District Officer for Eastern Alberta District. “We want to thank the hard working and dedicated members of the Westlock RCMP for moving this investigation forward as they did. These arrests and searches have allowed us not only to remove drugs and weapons from our streets but also bring to account those responsible.”