HINTON, Alta. — A significant drug trafficking investigation by Hinton RCMP has resulted in multiple charges against two local residents and the seizure of approximately 400 grams of suspected fentanyl, along with firearms and other illicit substances, police announced Wednesday .
The Hinton RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) launched the investigation in April 2026 following reports of suspected drug trafficking activity in the community. On May 29, with assistance from frontline officers and RCMP Police Dog Services, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Hinton .
The search yielded approximately 400 grams of suspected fentanyl, 32 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 459 millilitres of suspected gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) — a depressant often associated with sexual assault. Police also seized a firearm, ammunition, prohibited weapons, Canadian currency, and items consistent with drug trafficking, as well as property believed to have been obtained through criminal activity .
Peanka Langille, 62, and Lawrence Paquette, 54, both residents of Hinton, have been charged with multiple offences including possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and GHB for the purpose of trafficking, possession of prohibited weapons, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an altered or defaced serial number, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of property obtained by crime .
Paquette faces additional charges related to possessing firearms and ammunition while prohibited by court order .
“This investigation led to the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected fentanyl, along with other illicit drugs, firearms, prohibited weapons and stolen property,” said S/Sgt. Mark Hall, Detachment Commander, Hinton RCMP.
“The work conducted by our GIS investigators, supported by frontline officers and Police Dog Services, has removed dangerous substances and weapons from our community and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to community safety.”
Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Hinton on July 15.
