Charges laid after drones used to smuggle drugs into Alberta prison: RCMP
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Posted Jan 30, 2025 4:37 pm.
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025 7:18 pm.
Mounties have laid charges following an investigation into drones being used to smuggle drugs into an Alberta prison.
The RCMP say an investigation began in November 2023 when staff at the Drumheller Institution reported finding a package of methamphetamine, fentanyl, nicotine patches and cell phones inside the prison.
Investigators were able to find a drone near the prison that they suspected was used to smuggle the package inside.
Following a lengthy investigation, RCMP officers executed a search warrant at a home in Cold Lake, Alta. in April 2024 where they found drones and drone parts, as well as a loaded handgun.
On the same day, RCMP executed a search warrant on a vehicle that was previously seized by police in Edmonton and found cell phones and evidence of drone use.
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The investigation saw Drumheller RCMP get help from several other RCMP units across Alberta as well as the Edmonton Police Service.
Police say 39-year-old Chance Dunne, of Cold Lake, is facing various drug trafficking and gun charges. Police say Dunne was already in custody for an unrelated matter.
On Jan. 21, officers in Cold Lake arrested 26-year-old Charessa Slade, of Bonnyville, who is facing three gun charges.
The RCMP issued an arrest warrant for 34-year-old Edmonton resident Daniel Mcdonald and he was taken into custody near Wetaskiwin on Jan. 30. Mcdonald is facing two charges for drug trafficking.
Anyone with additional information on the investigation is being urged to call Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590, or submit tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers.