Police dismantled a prison drug trafficking operation following a complex investigation led by Drumheller RCMP General Investigative Services (GIS). Several drones and a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl were seized, and two suspects were charged, including one inmate.
On March 15, police executed a search warrant at a home in Eckville and seized1.3 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 and a 2018 GMC Yukon.
Ashley Maki, 39, 0f Eckville, and John Andrews, 32, from Drumheller Institution, have jointly been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and possession of proceeds of crime.
In addition, Ashley Maki is jointly charged with Dayton Chassie, 19, 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, and Possession of Break in Instruments
Throughout the investigation, multiple RCMP Support Units were engaged including Sylvan Lake General Duty officers, Sylvan Lake GIS, Blackfalds GIS, Digital Forensic Services Unit; Forensic Identification Section (FIS), Special Operations, and more. Also engaged were key partners including Edmonton ALERT Auto Crimes Unit and Drumheller Institution.
“The investigation continued and RCMP identified a suspect and a suspect inmate who were facilitating the introduction of drugs and phones into the Drumheller Institution via illicit drone flights,” said Staff Sergeant Robert HARMS of Drumheller RCMP.
Maki was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on June 17. 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.
