Drumheller RCMP and partner organizations have executed warrants and lay charges in relation to a drug investigation at the Drumheller Institution.
On Sunday, March 26, Drumheller Institution reported illicit drone activity near its facility as well as an unknown person in the area. As this person was being approached, they fled the scene, however, left behind a backpack.
The backpack contained 141 grams of methamphetamine, 32 grams of hash oil, a scale, two cell phones, and other items consistent with drug trafficking.
On Wednesday, May 10, an RCMP operation led by Drumheller RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) resulted in two separate search warrants being executed in relation to this investigation, one in Rosedale and one in Calgary.
As a result of the search warrants, RCMP seized three drones, four cell phones, a taser, brass knuckles, Canadian currency, suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, along with other items consistent with drug trafficking.
John McConnell, 41, a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance; possession for the purposes of trafficking; proceeds of crime; and drive while disqualified.
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, McConnell was released to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Friday, June 9.
Tawny Markiewicz, 31, a resident of Morrin, and Jeffrey Morse, 41, a resident of Drumheller, were arrested during the operation as a result of an observed drug transaction. Both were jointly charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
Morse was also charged with Failing to Comply with a Release Order.
Markiewicz was released from custody on an Undertaking and is to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Friday, June 16.
Morse was remanded into custody by a Justice of the Peace during a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and appeared in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Friday, May 12.
RCMP note additional charges are pending regarding this matter as the investigation continues.
Drumheller RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Rob Harms stated, “This is an in-depth and complex investigation involving the RCMP and our valued partners of Correctional Services Canada and Calgary Police Service. Several RCMP support units also played a key role in the investigation and included Drumheller General Duty members, Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit, Digital Forensic Services Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and Special Operations Unit. This investigation, and its results, demonstrates our effective partnerships, capabilities, and dedication to safe and secure communities in Alberta.”