On May 26 around 3 p.m., the Town of High Level Peace Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operating in a careless manner with several equipment violations in the Town of High Level. A male driver and two passengers, one adult and a youth, were in the vehicle. 

As a result of several indications of criminal activity, the High Level RCMP were called to assist and initiate an investigation. High Level RCMP arrested the male driver and the passengers were taken to hospital due to health concerns and later released. 

The High Level RCMP obtained and executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for the vehicle driven by the male. 

Michael John Neufeld, 30, of La Crete, is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking – morphine and heroin, possession of a controlled substance – morphine, heroin and methamphetamine and human trafficking of a minor/person under the aged of 18. 

Neufeld was held for a judicial interim release hearing and released on May 27 on conditions that included no contact with the youth. 

The High Level Peace Officers assisted in providing the displaced adult and youth food, temporary residency and arranged for transportation back to their homes and families. 

On May 28, 2020, the displaced adult and youth failed to arrive at their scheduled pick up to be transported home. The High Level Peace Officers conducted a preliminary welfare check and determined that they were missing and reported the circumstances to the High Level RCMP. The High Level RCMP, along with the High Level Peace Officers, jointly investigated locating the missing adult and youth. 

On the afternoon of May 28, the adult was located unharmed and the High Level RCMP’s investigation determined that the youth had returned into the custody of Michael Neufeld, despite the no contact conditions. Immediate efforts were taken by police to locate Neufeld. On May 29, Neufeld was located and taken into High Level RCMP custody without incident in High Level, Alta. 

On May 29, a traffic stop was conducted as a result of Neufeld’s arrest and two other occupants were arrested for possession of a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act pertaining to the unlawful sale of cannabis. A quantity of drugs, edged weapons and drug paraphernalia were seized during the traffic stop. Charges under the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act are pending for a 28-year-old male from Grande Prairie. 

The youth was located a short time later in a camper-trailer south of High Level. The youth was provided medical, social, economic assistance and transportation to a safe house where the youth will receive on-going assistance and treatment. 

Michael John Neufeld is facing additional charges of human trafficking of a minor/person under the aged of 18 and two counts of failing to comply with conditions of a release order. 

Following another judicial hearing, Neufeld was remanded into custody and is scheduled to attend High Level Provincial Court on June 8, 2020 for a bail hearing.