Lac La Biche RCMP lay 42 charges on man suspected of drug trafficking

Lac La Biche RCMP seized illicit drugs, firearms, and cash in a bust in mid-December, the detachment announced on Wednesday.

On Dec. 17, 2020 at approximately at roughly 10:00am., Lac La Biche Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and Lac La Biche RCMP were conducting patrols on Beaver Lake Cree Nation.

RCMP said officers recognized a vehicle that had fled from police the day before.

In the release, police said a male was observed sleeping in the driver seat with firearms visible and within reach. The male was arrested without incident.

Police determined the vehicle had been stolen out of Edmonton on Dec. 5.

During a search of the vehicle, police seized two rifles, two handguns, 126 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 15 grams of suspected cocaine, and 12 grams of suspected fentanyl, as well as nearly $5000 cash.

Keith Cardinal (34) of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Alta. is facing 42 charges including:

• Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (x3)
• Possession of stolen property over $5000
• Flight from police
• Careless use of a firearm (x4)
• Possession of a firearm with tampered serial number (x2)
• Possession of firearm contrary to order (x6)
• Fail to comply (x8)

Cardinal was remanded into custody and is set to appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on January 18.