ALERT drug trafficking investigation leads to charges against 11 people

March 21, 2013

Edmonton…Eleven people are charged with numerous offences as the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and its partners crack down on drug trafficking in the Rocky Mountain House area.

On March 20, Edmonton’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Edmonton), an integrated team made up of Edmonton Police Service and RCMP members, executed search warrants at three Rocky Mountain House residences. The Rocky Mountain House RCMP Detachment, RCMP Emergency Response Team and ALERT’s CFSEU-Red Deer provided assistance during this investigation.

As a result, police seized 380 grams of cocaine, over 450 grams of marihuana, a loaded .45 calibre handgun, a hunting rifle, approximately 650 rounds of ammunition, and a collapsible baton, as well as nearly $5,000 cash, numerous cell phones, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Five vehicles were also seized for civil forfeiture.

To date, 11 Rocky Mountain House residents are charged:

• Amanda LAW (25), Christina NADJIWAN (25), and Miranda WOLF (31) are charged with trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Jason SAM (26) is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Jonathan ROY (25) is charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Aimee ARSCOTT (32), Tara CUMMINGS (30), and Kathleen VALLE (23) are charged with trafficking cocaine;
• Darren BAUER (31) is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and firearms offences;
• Kathleen Cooper (23) is charged with possession of proceeds of crime; and
• Joel SENECAL (21) is charged with firearms offences.

At the time of his arrest, Jason SAM had an outstanding warrant for his arrest stemming from previous drug-related charges.

All of the accused will make their first court appearances on March 27.

This investigation is ongoing, with further arrests and charges possible.

If you have information about a crime or spot suspicious activity in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

CFSEU-Edmonton is an ALERT team established and funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-690-1839