Drumheller, Alberta – On March 26, 2023, Drumheller Penitentiary reported illicit drone activity near their 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 the following:
141 grams of Methamphetamine
32 grams of Hash Oil
A scale
2 cell phones
Other items consistent with drug trafficking
On May 10, 2023, an RCMP operation led by the Drumheller RCMP General Investigation Section, 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, the following was seized:
3 drones
4 cell phones
A taser
Brass knuckles
Canadian currency
Suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl
Other items consistent with drug trafficking
John McConnel (41), a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with the following:
Trafficking a controlled substance
Possession for the purpose of trafficking
Proceeds of crime
Drive while disqualified
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, McConnell was released to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on June 9, 2023.
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 June 16, 2023. Morse was remanded into custody by a Justice of the Peace during a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on May 12, 2023.
RCMP note that additional charges are pending regarding this matter as the investigation continues.
Detachment Commander of Drumheller Detachment, S/Sgt. Robert 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.”
Drumheller RCMP
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