On Nov. 17, 2021 after a three week-long investigation, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Integrated Investigation Team in partnership with RCMP officers from the Drumheller and Hanna RCMP Detachments, executed four search warrants related to one business owner in downtown Hanna.
This police presence in Hanna was a result of an investigation into the illegal possession and sale of tobacco products. The search warrants were executed on one business, the business owner’s residence and two of the business owner’s vehicles.
The results of the searches were the seizure of 326 cartons of cigarettes (65,200 cigarettes) with a retail value of $48,900 and a street value of $16,300.
Deborah Clark (66) of Hanna has been charged with possession and sale of illegal tobacco products, fraud over $5,000, and licensee permitting unlawful activity in licensed premises, a charge under the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Act.
Clark was released from custody and will next be appearing in Hanna Provincial Court on January 26, 2022.
Information provided by the public plays a crucial role in helping police identify where crime is occurring, and who is committing it.
Members of the public who suspect this type of illegal activity or any other type of crime occurring in their community are encouraged to contact the Hanna RCMP Detachment at 403-854-3391 or your local police. 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.
