Lac La Biche Drug Dealers Charged in Coordinated Effort

Fort McMurray… Five suspected drug dealers operating in the Lac La Biche area have been charged in a joint investigation between ALERT and Lac La Biche RCMP.

ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team worked with Lac La Biche RCMP members to crackdown against suspected street-level drug dealers operating in the community. The investigation began in August 2016 and the arrests took place January 28-30, 2017.

During the course of the investigation ALERT seized small quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Investigators allege these drugs were being sold at the street-level.

“Drug abuse has a negative impact on the safety and well-being of our community. Crack cocaine and methamphetamine are harmful substances and we are grateful for the working partnership with ALERT and the expertise they bring to the table,” said Sgt. Steve Genereaux, Lac La Biche RCMP.

Four men have been arrested and a warrant has been issued for an additional suspect:

• James Lavallee, 36, is charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Jardith Wiebe, 18, is charged with trafficking (x 2) and possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 4);
• David Cardinal, 51, is charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Gilbert Cardinal, 50, is charged with is charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A warrant has been issued for Tyler Thom, 24, for drug trafficking offences. He is believed to be living in the Lac La Biche area.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or Thom’s whereabouts, is asked to contact police of Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.