Red Deer Justice Centre (Image Credit: Josh Hall/rdnewsNOW)

By Sheldon Spackman

3.5 Years

Red Deer man sentenced in local drug trafficking investigation

Feb 12, 2026 | 2:02 PM

A three-and-a-half year jail term has been given to a Red Deer man charged in a local drug trafficking investigation. 

Richard Gerald Askin, 34, was sentenced on Feb. 11, 2026, in Red Deer Court of Justice, after being convicted on counts of traffic controlled substance, possess for purpose, possess property under $5000, resisting a peace officer, fail to comply with a release order, and fail to comply with a probation order. Two other counts were withdrawn. He was also given a 10-year firearms prohibition. 

During his sentencing, however, Askin was given credit for 501 days of pre-trial custody, leaving him with 744 days, or just over two years left to serve. 

Following his arrest on July 23, 2024, Askin was originally charged with: 

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking x2 

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• Trafficking of a controlled substance 

• Possession of controlled substance 

• Possession of property obtained by crime 

• Resist Peace Officer 

• Fail to comply with Probation Order x2 

Two days prior to his arrest, while responding to an unrelated call at a downtown business, an RCMP member observed a male engaging in activities commonly associated with drug trafficking. 

With assistance from the Downtown Patrol Unit, General Investigation Section, and the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team, an investigation was initiated. 

Police ended up executing a search warrant on the man’s residence, and seized suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, and crystal meth, as well as an electric scooter and Canadian currency. 

Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Askin was remanded in custody. 

Related: Sentencing date set for man charged in local drug trafficking investigation

Related: Male charged after downtown Red Deer drug trafficking investigation