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Wetaskiwin Man Charged

Wetaskiwin search warrant results in significant seizure of drugs, numerous charges laid

Nov 23, 2020 | 9:29 AM

The sharing of intelligence between neighbouring RCMP detachments in central Alberta has resulted in the seizure of a gun, ammunition, illegal drugs and nearly two dozen charges against a Wetaskiwin man.

On Nov. 13, Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) began conducting an investigation into drug trafficking at a residence within the City of Wetaskiwin. Throughout the investigation it was learned that the suspect was also involved in drug trafficking within the communities of Maskwacis.

As a result of the investigation, on Nov. 20, members of the Wetaskiwin RCMP CRU, General Duty, General Investigative Section (GIS), and Maskwacis RCMP GIS Members executed a search warrant at a residence within the City of Wetaskiwin.

During the search, police located and seized:

  • 65.2g of Methamphetamine
  • 22.5g of Fentanyl
  • 4.0g of Cocaine
  • 0.7g of Carfentanyl
  • 30 Lorazepam pills
  • .300 rifle
  • Multiple rounds of ammunition

Mounties say the estimated street value of the drugs seized was approximately $2,400.00

Wayne Wiebe, 39, of Wetaskiwin, has been charged with 21 criminal code offences.

They include four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of a firearm or prohibited weapon while unauthorized, possession of a prohibited weapon while in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, eight counts of fail to comply with a weapons prohibition, and three counts of fail to comply with a release order.

Police say the importance of intelligence sharing between neighbouring detachments is key, as crime has no borders.

“This is a significant seizure of illegal drugs that will not be distributed into our communities. Wetaskiwin RCMP and Maskwacis RCMP are proud to work together, with the overall goal of making both our communities safer,” say RCMP in a release.

Wiebe was brought for a Judicial Interim Release hearing and was remanded into custody. Wiebe is scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on Nov. 24.