Drones fly near Drumheller Penitentiary, three arrested: Alberta RCMP
Posted May 15, 2023 7:20 pm.
Drones flying over the Drumheller penitentiary have led to the arrest of three people, including one from Calgary, Mounties say.
It started when officers received reports at the end of March about an unknown person flying a drone suspiciously near the facility.
As the person was being approached, they ran away, leaving a backpack with a series of items, including methamphetamine, hash oil, a couple of cell phones, and “other items consistent with drug trafficking.”
A couple of months later, on May 10, Drumheller RCMP executed a pair of search warrants in Rosedale, in Drumheller, and in Calgary.
Officers seized three drones, four cell phones, a taser, brass knuckles, cash, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and more items “consistent with drug trafficking.”
As a result, a Calgary man, 41-year-old John McConnel, was arrested and now faces four charges, including trafficking with a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
He was released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 9.
In addition, 31-year-old Tawny Markiewicz and 41-year-old Jeffrey Morse were also arrested during the operation, and both were jointly charged with possession for trafficking. Morse faces an additional charge of failing to comply with a release order.
Markiewicz was released and is expected to appear in court on June 12, while Morse remains in custody and appeared in court Friday.
“This is an in-depth and complex investigation involving the RCMP and our valued partners of Correctional Services Canada and Calgary Police Service,” said S Sgt. Robert Harms with the Drumheller Detachment.
“This investigation, and its results, demonstrates our effective partnerships, capabilities, and dedication to safe and secure communities in Alberta.”
Mounties say additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.
