Southern Alberta Residents Face Drug Trafficking Charges After RCMP Raid
Two residents of southern Alberta are now facing serious drug trafficking charges following a coordinated police investigation that led to a significant seizure of illicit substances. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) executed a search warrant at a residence in Fort Macleod, resulting in the alleged discovery of multiple controlled drugs and paraphernalia.
Intelligence-Led Investigation Leads to Arrests
According to official statements from the Piikani Nation RCMP, the detachment received intelligence earlier this month regarding potential drug trafficking activities occurring within the Fort Macleod community. Fort Macleod is situated approximately 150 kilometres south of Calgary in the province of Alberta.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving members from both the Piikani Nation and Fort Macleod RCMP detachments, supported by the specialized Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit. This multi-unit approach underscores the ongoing commitment by law enforcement to address drug-related crimes in the region.
Substantial Drug Seizure During Home Search
On Friday, January 26, 2024, authorities conducted a targeted search of a specific home in Fort Macleod. During this operation, police allege they confiscated a considerable quantity of suspected narcotics and related items. The seized materials reportedly include:
- 469 grams of suspected cocaine
- 53 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 242 oxycodone pills
- Two tablets of fentanyl
- Three grams of suspected psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
- Various other prescription medications and drug paraphernalia consistent with trafficking operations
The diversity and volume of the substances seized indicate a potentially significant distribution operation, according to the allegations presented by the RCMP.
Charges Laid Against Two Individuals
As a direct result of the investigation and subsequent seizure, two individuals have been formally charged. They have been identified as 47-year-old Darcy Pedersen, a resident of Fort Macleod, and 51-year-old Shannon Calderwood, a resident of nearby Pincher Creek.
Both Pedersen and Calderwood are facing multiple criminal charges, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Production of a controlled substance (specifically cocaine)
- Possession of paraphernalia intended for use in drug trafficking
The charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged offenses and the comprehensive scope of the police investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following their arrest, both accused individuals have been released from custody under specific conditions set by the court. They are scheduled to make their first court appearance on February 11, 2024, at the Fort Macleod courthouse.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by RCMP and local law enforcement agencies across Alberta to combat the distribution of illegal drugs within communities. The use of intelligence gathering and inter-detachment cooperation demonstrates a proactive strategy aimed at reducing drug-related crime and enhancing public safety in southern Alberta.
