RCMP have laid multiple drug and weapons charges against a Saddle Lake man following a nearly six month investigation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons.
On March 19, police executed a search warrant in Saddle Lake, seizing more than 150 grams of illegal drugs, including 130 grams of methamphetamines and 52 grams of cocaine. Officers also seized over $2,000 in Canadian currency, counterfeit bills, a handgun, three rifles, two crossbows, ammunition, and various weapons including knives, brass knuckles, batons, nunchucks, and swords.
Darin Riel Moses, a 44-year-old resident of Saddle Lake, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, nine firearms-related offences, and unauthorized possession of an identity document. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in St. Paul court on April 10.
The investigation began in October of 2024, and involved several RCMP units, including the Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, and the Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit.
Staff Sgt. Dennis Silliker, detachment commander with the St. Paul RCMP praised the community and RCMP partners for their roles in the case. “This file in particular was brought to our attention by the community and sources that are very, very interested in getting these controlled drugs and substances off their reserves,” he said.
He noted that this investigation is part of a bigger effort to stop drug activity in the area and has given police more leads to follow. “Every single investigation sheds light on another avenue,” Silliker said. “We may have pulled drugs off the road, but then the question is, ‘Where did the drugs come form?'”
Silliker praised the cooperation between RCMP detachments across the Eastern Alberta District and urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity to help police address drug-related crime.
