Approximately 300 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of hash, approximately $15,000 in Canadian currency and a semi-truck were seized in two separate traffic stops in a 24 hour period on Oct. 21 and 22.
On Monday, Oct. 21, an RCMP officer stopped Jordan Tracey, age 27, of Fernie, BC, for a traffic safety infraction while he was travelling on Highway 3. Through further investigation, approximately $15,000 in Canadian currency, three grams of marijuana, and two grams of MDMA was revealed. Tracey was charged with two counts Possession of a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime. He is scheduled to appear at the Pincher Creek Provincial Court on Dec. 17.
The following day, on Oct. 22, an RCMP officer stopped an eastbound semi-truck on Highway 3. Upon further investigation, a positive indication was made by police service dog Hogan. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 300 pounds of raw cannabis marijuana, approximately five pounds of hash and 14 pounds of an unknown cannabis-related substance.
The driver, Wendy Baldwin, age 56, and co-driver, Michael Robilland, age 55, both of Ontario, have been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
The semi the pair was travelling in was also seized. Baldwin and Robilland will appear at the Pincher Creek Provincial Court on Nov. 12. “This isn’t a small amount of drugs intended for personal use.” says Superintendent Howard Eaton, Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Services. “It’s major amounts of drugs destined for the streets of Canada, and it’s indicative of organized crime activity.” Seizures of this magnitude have a substantial effect in illicit drug supply and reduce the amount of illegal drugs in communities. Over 450,000 marijuana cigarettes can be made with 300 pounds of marijuana. Traffic stops on Alberta’s highways can lead to significant seizures of illicit drugs, firearms, stolen goods and other contraband materials. Specially trained Roving Traffic Units (RTU) team members and police service dogs are just some of the tools RCMP are using to reduce illegal activity and reduce crime. RTUs are responsible for the seizure of millions of dollars in narcotics from travelling criminals, and the presence of these specialized teams directly contributes to reducing crime and keeps Alberta’s roads and highways safe.