Drumheller RCMP, in conjunction with multiple partners, have concluded a more than year long investigation into drug trafficking, resulting in the arrests of three people.
The investigation began in November 2023 when staff from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) at the Drumheller Institution reported to Drumheller RCMP they located a package containing methamphetamine, cell phones, nicotine patches, and fentanyl.
Drumheller RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) officers initiated a drug trafficking investigation and located a drone near the Drumheller Institution believed to be used to smuggle the contraband into the institution.
As the investigation progressed, Drumheller GIS obtained assistance from several RCMP units including the Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Cold Lake GIS, Cold Lake General Duty, Digital Forensic Services, Forensic Identification Section, Firearm Support Services, the National Firearms Tracing Centre, and also from the Edmonton Police Service Robbery Unit.
On April 17, 2024, RCMP officers from the Drumheller GIS, Cold Lake GIS, and Cold Lake Detachment executed a search warrant on a residence on 8 Street in Cold Lake, Alberta.
As a result of the search warrant, police located supporting evidence of drug trafficking into an institution, including drones and drone parts. Also located was a loaded handgun.
On the same date, Drumheller GIS executed a search warrant on a vehicle, believed to be related, that was seized by the Edmonton Police Robbery Unit. Additional evidence supporting drug trafficking into an institution was located; including cell phones and evidence of drone use.
As a result of this investigation, Chance Dunne, 39, a resident of Cold Lake and Daniel McDonald, 34, a resident of Edmonton, were jointly charged with:
Conspiracy to Commit the indictable offence of Trafficking a Controlled Drug; and
Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.
In addition, Dunne and Charessa Slade, 26, a resident of Bonnyville, were jointly charged with:
Possession of a Prohibited Firearm;
Possession of a firearm without holding a license; and
Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number on it had been altered, defaced or removed.
Additionally, Dunne is charged with:
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; and
Possession of a Firearm while being prohibited from doing so.
Slade was arrested by Cold Lake GIS on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and released on an undertaking. She is to appear in the Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on Friday, March 21.
Dunne is currently in custody on unrelated matters and is to appear in Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on Friday, March 28.
An arrest warrant was issued for Daniel McDonald who was arrested by Wetaskiwin RCMP on Thursday, January 30 and awaits a bail hearing.
If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590 or contact your local Police Service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.