Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Unit seizes drugs during traffic stops

On April 18, 2024, at 7:45 p.m., Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit was performing roving patrols in Whitecourt. A driver on Hwy 43 was observed not wearing a seatbelt. A roadside stop was conducted and the Alberta RCMP Traffic Unit officer noted that the VIN did not match the registration and insurance documents. It was determined that the vehicle had been stolen out of Didsbury, Alta., in 2022. The driver was arrested and a search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed the following items, valued at over $10000, which were seized:

• 156 grams of suspected methamphetamine;
• 8.5 grams of suspected cocaine;
• 7 grams of suspected hash; and
• Break in tools.

As a result of the investigation, Amanda Lee McVittie (52), a resident of Calgary, was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2);
• Possession of stolen property over $5000;
• Possession of break in tools;
• Breach of undertaking; and
• Traffic Safety Act tickets (x4).

McVittie was released on conditions and is to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on June 11, 2024.

On April 19, 2024 at 5 p.m., Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit was performing speed enforcement on Hwy 43 near Whitecourt. A vehicle was observed traveling at 146 km/h in a 110km/h zone. An Alberta RCMP Traffic Unit conducted a roadside stop and observed the windows being rolled down, letting a cloud of cannabis-tinted smoke waft out, while hand rolled cigarettes were being thrown. The officer noted drugs within the vehicle, resulting in the arrest of six people. The vehicle was searched and the following items, valued at over $90000, were seized:

• 1.2 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine;
• 178.8 grams of suspected cocaine;
• 2938 millilitres of codeine syrup;
• 78 bars of alprazolam; and
• A loaded prohibited handgun.

As a result of the investigation, the following people were arrested:

• Tommy Kayfay (19) and Chino Guiawan (21), both resident of Edmonton, as well as Bradley Mercredi (32) and April Sayine (33), both resident of Yellowknife, NT, were charged with:
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4);
  • Firearm-related offences (x5); and
  • Transporting Cannabis/Alcohol within easy access of occupant (x2).
• Gulied Ahmed Umar (19), a resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4);
  • Firearm-related offences (x6);
  • Transporting Cannabis/Alcohol within easy access of occupant (x2);
  • Breach of release order (x2); and
  • Provincial sanctions (Impaired driving and speeding).
• Suleiman Mohamed Abdow (28), a resident of Edmonton, was charged with:
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4);
  • Firearm-related offences (x6);
  • Transporting Cannabis/Alcohol within easy access of occupant (x2);
  • Possession of an identity document not belonging to them;
  • Obstruct police officer;
  • Identity fraud; and
  • Breach of release order.

Abdow, Umar, Guiawan, Kayfay, Mercredi, and Sayine were brought before a justice of the peace. Abdow and Umar were remanded into custody, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on May 14, 2024. Guiawan, Kayfay, Mercredi, and Sayine were released on conditions, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on May 14, 2024.

“The Alberta RCMP Traffic - Whitecourt Unit are always hard at work not only enforcing traffic-related laws but making sure that illegal goods transiting through the area are seized and that the people found with them are dealt with according to the applicable laws” said Sgt. Greg ANDERSON, NCO i/c of the Alberta RCMP Traffic – Whitecourt Unit. “The Whitecourt unit provides Traffic Services such as community consultations, education and enforcement, to four detachment areas, including Whitecourt, Mayerthorpe, Fox Creek and Swan Hills. Although our mandate is to provide traffic-related services, the Alberta RCMP Traffic-Whitecourt Unit also provides back-up, support and assistance to these detachments as necessary”. 

Information provided by Alberta RCMP