(RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

illicit drone use at drumheller prison

Drumheller RCMP charge three after search warrant executed in Eckville

Apr 12, 2024 | 4:00 PM

Multiple people have been charged in connection to a lengthy drug-related investigation by the RCMP in central Alberta.

Drumheller RCMP say it was in May 2023 when a prison drug trafficking operation was dismantled following a complex investigation. Several drones and a large amount of cocaine, meth and fentanyl were seized, while two suspects were charged, including an inmate.

RCMP continued investigating, identifying a suspect and a suspect inmate who were facilitating the introduction of drugs and phones into the Drumheller Institution via illicit drone flights.

On March 15 of this year, police executed a search warrant at a home in Eckville, and seized:

• 1.3 Kilograms of Cocaine
• 2.2 Kilograms of Methamphetamine;
• 2.1 grams of Fentanyl
• Canadian Currency and a money counter
• Two Prohibited Weapons
• Two drones
• Cell Phones
• A loaded shotgun
• Break in instruments
• A 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 a 2018 GMC Yukon

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Several RCMP support units were engaged including from Sylvan Lake and Blackfalds detachments, plus Edmonton ALERT Auto Crimes Unit.

Ashley Maki, 39, a resident of Eckville, and John Andrews, 32, from Drumheller Institution, have jointly been charged with:

• Conspiracy to Commit an indictable offence
• Possession of Proceeds of Crime

In addition, Ashley Maki is jointly charged with Dayton Chassie, 19, a resident of Eckville, with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking Possession of Proceeds of Crime
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of Break in Instruments

Maki was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on June 17, 2024 to answer to the charges.

A warrant of arrest has been issued for Chassie whom remains at large. Andrews remains incarcerated and awaits Judicial Process/court date to answer to the charges.

“This was a lengthy and meticulous investigation resulting in the removal of illicit and harmful drugs and weapons from our communities,” says Staff Sergeant Robert Harms, Drumheller RCMP. “This is yet another example of numerous RCMP units and our valued partners working together to ensure safe and secure communities.”

If you have any information regarding these matters, contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590 or contact your local police. 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.

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