The items allegedly seized from a 16-year-old youth. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

APPROX. 800 GRAMS OF COCAINE

16-year-old charged with possession and trafficking following search by Red Deer RCMP

Mar 28, 2025 | 1:37 PM

Red Deer RCMP have arrested and charged a 16-year-old under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act following a search of their residence that allegedly found them in possession of hundreds of grams of cocaine.

On March 19, Red Deer RCMP executed a search warrant at an Air BnB in the Rosedale neighbourhood that police say the youth had been renting. This followed a period of surveillance, prompted by information received by the Crime Reduction Team (CRT).

Mounties say their search of the residence revealed approximately 800 grams of hard and soft cocaine, packing materials, a digital scale and about $15,000 in currency.

“Obviously it’s unsettling to have a young person who’s being trusted with a significant value and quantity of drugs to be travelling around Red Deer, selling to people who may or may not have good intentions when they’re making those deals,” said Sgt. Robert Daisley of the CRT, adding that this type of case is “out of the norm.”

The youth was arrested the same day as the search, allegedly with 16 pre-packed one gram bags of cocaine and two “spitballs” of it in their possession. They were charged with:

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• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Proceeds of crime over $5,000
• Illegal possession of government documents

The youth was brought before a justice of the peace and released to a guardian, with conditions. They are scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on April 3.

The youth cannot be named, as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

RCMP believe this case connects to another recent seizure made by the General Investigation Section, suggesting they may be a part of the same “drug line.” rdnewsNOW expects to receive further details on this case and will update the story when they’re received.

“I’d say it’s not just an isolated youth doing this on their own,” Daisley reflected. “This is part of a bigger picture.”

When both cases are considered, Mounties say they seized 1,100 grams of cocaine and $27,000 altogether.

Daisley urges the community, “If you see something, say something.”

For example, “If somebody is engaged in trafficking drugs at this level, if you’re a peer with this person, you’re probably aware of what’s going on and it’s just a question of trying to find a constructive way to intervene,” he said. “It can be very difficult once it’s gotten this far, so I would say your options are less if you wait too long, whereas if you are willing to say something at an earlier stage, there’s probably a better opportunity for that person to choose a different path.”

Red Deer RCMP also encourages youth to reach out to officers on the Youth and Community Action Team who are stationed in schools if they have concerns about a peer.

“Don’t be afraid to approach them if you have an issue,” said Cst. Cory Riggs. “Just because you talk to them doesn’t mean that we’re going to blow it out of proportion. They’re going to listen to what you say and go through the helpful channels to make a difference in the youth that’s being affected by this.”

Sgt. Daisley added, the investigation pertaining to the youth is essentially complete, as the CRT focuses on street level drug enforcement. Information obtained through their work, however, may be used by other teams for larger-scale investigations.

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