A traffic stop by Drumheller RCMP led to two residents facing drug charges.
On Dec. 11, 2024, at 10:22 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a 2022 GMC Terrain rental vehicle at the Shell Gas Station, located at 680 2 Street SE in Drumheller. As a result of this traffic stop, a male and female were arrested.
Subsequent to the arrest, officers searched the vehicle and located quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, Canadian currency, and other drug trafficking evidence.
37-year-old Crystal Luider, a resident of Hanna, Alta., and 51-year-old Shane Pentelescu, a resident of Wheatland County, Alta., were jointly charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.
Pentelescu was also charged with failing to comply with a release order and failing to comply with a court order.
Luider was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in the Drumheller Court of Justice on Feb. 21, 2025. Pentelescu was remanded into custody and iappeared in the Drumheller Court of Justice on Dec. 13, 2024.
RCMP continue to investigate this matter.
RCMP is also issuing a warning to the public that the seized Fentanyl, in this case, was in the shape of a heart. This is very concerning, as it may make it more appealing to children who may think it is candy. Please speak to your children about this danger.
If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590 or contact your local Police Service. 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.

On Thursday, December 12, Jacko (Jack) la Grange was called to the Alberta Bar Association at the Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller.
la Grange has been in Drumheller for over a year and has been articling at Barry & James LLP, under the principalship of Colin Kloot.
Kloot told the court he had no reservations about his application.
“As a student, he took instruction with ease and turned out work that was impeccable and high calibre,” he told Justice of the Court of King’s Bench Darren Reed.
“I have impressed upon Jack that integrity is of the utmost importance.”
Prior to coming to Drumheller la Grange practiced law in South Africa and taught English in South Korea for three years. He also has a masters in International Trade Law.
He also had praise for Kloot, who has guided the career of six previous students at law. la Grange will be his final.
“Your leadership has been inspirational and it is an honour to be your final student.”
This was Justice Reed’s first appearance in Drumheller and he noted that Alberta is the last province to do in-person bar calls.
la Grange was the first student to be called to the bar in person in Drumheller since 2018.