In June of 2022, the Peace River General Investigation Section with the assistance of the Western Alberta District Criminal Intelligence Coordinator, initiated an investigation into drug trafficking in the Peace River region.  On July 14, 2022, as a result of the month-long investigation the Peace River detachment, assisted by Grande Prairie ALERT and RCMP Police Dog Services executed a search warrant on a residence in the County of Northern Lights, and on a vehicle associated to the investigation.  The search resulted in the seizure of the following:

 

·         55 grams of cocaine

·         20 grams of methamphetamine

·         233 pills of MDMA

·         456 grams of psilocybin

·         8.7 kilograms of marihuana

·         Various quantities of MDMA and LSD

·         Over $61,000.00 in Canadian currency

·         Over 75 000 contraband cigarettes

·         A conducted energy weapon

 

Consequently, Mason McSWEEN (26) of the rural Peace River area has been arrested and charged with:

 

·         Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x5)

·         Possession of a controlled substance (x2)

·         Possession of proceeds of crime of a value exceeding $5000

·         Possession of a prohibited weapon

·         Possession of Cannabis for the purpose of selling and distribution, contrary to the Cannabis Act

·         Possession of unstamped tobacco, contrary to the Excise Act

 

McSWEEN has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Peace River Provincial court on August 29, 2022, in relation to these allegations.   As this matter is now before the courts, no updates are anticipated.