An extensive RCMP investigation has resulted in multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearm possession, following the discovery of contraband near the Drumheller Institution.
In November 2023, staff at the correctional facility reported finding a package containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cell phones, and nicotine patches. A nearby drone, suspected of being used for smuggling, was also recovered.
Drumheller RCMP’s General Investigations Section (GIS) launched an investigation, collaborating with multiple RCMP units including the Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Cold Lake GIS, Cold Lake General Duty, Digital Forensic Services, Forensic Identification Section, Firearm Support Services, the National Firearms Tracing Centre, and also from the Edmonton Police Service Robbery Unit.
On April 17, 2024, RCMP officers from the Drumheller GIS, Cold Lake GIS, and Cold Lake Detachment executed a search warrant on a residence on 8 Street in Cold Lake. As a result RCMP found evidence supporting drug trafficking into the institution, including drones, drone parts, and a loaded handgun. On the same date, Drumheller GIS executed a search warrant on a vehicle believed to be related, that was seized by the Edmonton Police Robbery Unit.
As a result, Chance Dunne a 39-year-old resident of Cold Lake and Daniel McDonald a 34-year-old resident of Edmonton were jointly charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. Additionally, Dunne and Charessa Slade, a resident of Bonnyville were jointly charged with possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm without holding a license and possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number on it had been altered, defaced or removed.
Chance Dunne is also facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while being prohibited from doing so.
Slade was arrested on January 21 by Cold Lake GIS and was released on an undertaking. She is scheduled to appear in the Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on March 21. Dunne remains in custody on unrelated matters and will appear in Drumheller court on March 28.
McDonald who had an arrest warrant issued, was taken into custody by Wetaskiwin RCMP on January 30 and is awaiting a bail hearing.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590, your local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
