RCMP Release: Slave Lake RCMP lay charges in drug trafficking investigation

Slave Lake, Alta – Beginning in January 2019, the Slave Lake RCMP detachment in partnership with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) engaged in a project targeting the issue of drug trafficking in the Town of Slave Lake and surrounding areas.  On February 8, the RCMP executed two search warrants at residence in the town with a third being executed on February 9.

The searches netted Slave Lake’s single largest drug seizure.  A total of 622 grams of cocaine was seized along with quantities of methamphetamine and heroin.  This volume of cocaine would, on average, next approximately 1200 individual doses.

“The high volume of drugs that we removed from the streets as a result of this investigation demonstrates the power of our integrated law enforcement partnership with ALERT. We are very proud of the work that has been done to reduce crime and prevent illicit drugs from reaching our communities.” says Staff Sergeant John Spaans, Slave Lake Detachment Commander.

So far, four people have been arrested and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance:

• Michael Proulx (29) of Slave Lake
• Faith Proulx (26) of Slave Lake
• Vanessa Gladue (34) of Slave Lake
• Mark Flierl (44) of Slave Lake

“A seizure of this size has a huge impact on public safety.  ALERT will continue to work collaboratively with our partners, like Slave Lake RCMP, to ensure our communities are free from the dangers of drugs and organized crime” says Inspector Sean Boser, Office in Charge of ALERT Organized Crime and Gangs

Charges are pending against several additional individuals alleged to have been involved in the trafficking of controlled substances.  Those who have been charges will appear in Slave Lake Provincial Court on February 20, March 13 and March 20, 2019.