SADDLE LAKE – A coordinated RCMP operation on Nov. 1 at a residence in Saddle Lake resulted in the seizure of 234 grams of suspected cocaine, hundreds of tablets and prescription pills, and three firearms – one with a prohibited capacity magazine.
The street value of the drugs seized amounts to over $19,000.
Three suspects were taken into custody following the operation, including 19-year-old Payton Crane, 26-year-old Marcus Cardinal, and one youth that cannot be named.
Crane and Cardinal were both charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.
Crane was also charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, while Cardinal was charged with six counts of having weapons in his possession contrary to an order, according to the St. Paul RCMP.
The three suspects were remanded into custody and were being held for a judicial hearing.
The Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (EAD CRU), General Investigative Services (GIS), St. Paul RCMP, “K” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Police Dog Services (PDS) collaborated for the operation.
“EAD CRU has and will continue to target offenders who cause great harm to our communities. This seizure continues to show our dedication in removing dangerous drugs and weapons from the streets and charging those responsible," said Cst. Cory Tourand of the St. Paul Detachment, explaining the EAD CRU was created by the RCMP to target "multi-jurisdictional priority offenders who cause the greatest harm to our communities."
St. Paul Detachment commander Dennis Silliker, during a media availability on Nov. 8 at the St. Paul detachment, said RCMP have ongoing communication with Saddle Lake Cree Nation officials.
“We always want to keep them appraised of everything that’s happening in the community,” he said, adding, Saddle Lake is supportive of RCMP investigations.
“It's absolutely essential for us as a community to come together with our partners to engage in this drug enforcement,” said Silliker, explaining there is a link between illegal drug availability and the rise in property crimes and addiction issues that affect communities across the province.
He also noted an increase in mental health issues being seen.
Catch and release
Silliker acknowledged there are many concerns among the public involving rural crime, including what many call a “catch-and-release" justice system, resulting in repeat offenders committing crimes.
Silliker said anything relating to the justice system is outside the RCMP’s purview.
“Our investigators work very hard,” and they work diligently in investigations, he said. But when cases go to court, “that’s out of our hands at that point.”
“I just want our community to know that the St. Paul detachment is doing everything we can to support our partners in our communities.”
All too common
From an investigation standpoint, Silliker also said the RCMP is seeing much more availability of controlled substances.
He said it is also critical for communities to work together to report crime.
“If you see something suspicious . . . please report it, so that we can follow up and continue to take these substances off the street,” said Silliker.
People who fear retaliation or want to stay anonymous can report suspicious activity or suspected ongoing criminal activity to Crime Stoppers.