Photos courtesy Alberta RCMP
COCHRANE, Alta. — A months-long investigation by the Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit has led to the seizure of nearly half a million dollars worth of fentanyl, cocaine and counterfeit opioids, as well as a prohibited firearm, police announced June 4.
In March of 2026, Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), began investigating a person suspected of trafficking drugs between Calgary and Canmore.
Through continued investigation, Cochrane CRU confirmed that the suspect was actively involved in drug trafficking within the Bow Valley. Investigators utilized several techniques which ultimately led officers believe the suspect was picking up wholesale level drugs in the City of Calgary.
Police confirmed that the suspect was utilizing a vehicle associated to him as a conveyance for drug trafficking. On March 13, investigators stopped a vehicle associated to the suspect and seized 1097 grams of Fentanyl.
On May 14, members of Cochrane CRU, with the assistance of Canmore RCMP, executed a search warrant in Canmore which resulted in the seizure of controlled substances including1.6 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, and 2,000 tablets of counterfeit Xanax (commonly composed of synthetic opioids stronger than Fentanyl).
Mackenzie Harbar, 30, and Katie Ervin, 31, both of Canmore, were arrested and charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Mackenzie Harbar faced an additional 10 charges for failing to comply with conditions. Both will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane on June 16. Harbar was remanded and Ervin released on conditions.
In addition to the seizure, the search warrant provided additional evidence that launched a second investigation. With the assistance of the Calgary Police Service District Operation Team (District 7) and the Calgary Police Service Gun Violence Enforcement Team (GVET), two residences were identified in the City of Calgary related to drug trafficking. On May 27, Cochrane RCMP CRU were assisted by the RCMP Emergency Response Team and GVET to execute two separate search warrants at the identified residences.
Police seized an additional half kilogram of cocaine and fentanyl as well as over 1,100 synthetic opioid tablets and a prohibited firearm. Two people were arrested.
Aaron Cahoon (30), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Jordan Nyiro (31), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking x4
- Trafficking fentanyl
- Various firearms offences including unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
After Judicial Interim Release Hearings, both Cahoon and Nyiro were remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on June 5, 2026.
In total, investigators seized:
- 1,186 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 915 grams of suspected cocaine
- 2,895 pills of suspected counterfeit opioids
- Seven grams of suspected methamphetamine
- A Semi-automatic rifle
- Two prohibited magazines containing 30 rounds each
The estimated street value of the seizure is approximately $490,000.
Cochrane RCMP Detachment Commander, Inspector Dave Brunner, states: “The Alberta RCMP remains committed to engaging with our partners to target prolific offenders and disrupt criminal behaviour. These seizures demonstrate our continued focus on holding offenders accountable and removing dangerous substances from our communities.”
