In September of 2025, the Ponoka RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) & Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) initiated a drug trafficking investigation into a drug trafficker in Ponoka. RCMP collected evidence of the offence between September 2025 and January 2026.
On Jan. 7, 2026, a search warrant was obtained to search an address in the 5100 block of 60 Avenue in Ponoka. RCMP members observed a stolen vehicle briefly attend the property prior to the search warrant execution. The vehicle was tactically stopped leading to the arrest of four occupants. After a search of the driver and vehicle RCMP seized;
- 22 grams of Methamphetamine;
- 6 grams of cocaine;
- A 12 gauge shot gun;
- A rifle;
- Ammunition ;
- Cash.
With the assistance of Ponoka General Duty & Traffic Members, RCMP searched the home and seized:
- 89 grams of fentanyl;
- 95 grams of Methamphetamine;
- Cash.
As a result of the drug trafficking investigation, RCMP have charged Ponoka resident Erica Foley (44) with the following offences:
- Trafficking a controlled substance (x5);
- Possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5000;
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2).
Foley was held for a JIR hearing and released, with future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.
As a result of the stolen vehicle investigation, RCMP have charged Maskwacis resident, Richard Stanley Soosay (33), with the following offences:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking;
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
- Tampering with serial number of firearm;
- Weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization (x3);
- Possession of firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle;
- Fail to comply with release order condition;
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon or restricted weapon;
- Possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized;
- Careless use of a firearm.
Soosay was held for a JIR hearing and remanded into custody with future court dates at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.
The passengers were released on appearance notices.
“This successful operation coordinated between Ponoka and Wetaskiwin RCMP Units demonstrates the effective interoperability of our detachments, “ says Corporal John Learn of the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit,” the removal of the these crime guns and drugs can have an immediate positive impact on our communities.”
