A Cold Lake man is facing drug trafficking-related charges after an investigation by Vermilion RCMP.

On Friday, February 5, police got a report of a vehicle stopped in the middle of the driving lane on Highway 41 just north of Vermilion.

After RCMP arrived on scene, they determined the vehicle was having mechanical issues. Suspicions were raised, police said, in the continued discussion with the driver, which led police to believe the vehicle was stolen.

As result the driver was arrested and a search resulted in the seizure of just over 300 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately four grams of suspected fentanyl, and indicators of drug trafficking.

Jonathan Drake Blyan, 28, of Cold Lake was arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (2x)
• Possession of property obtained by crime, over $5000
• Possession of property obtained by crime, under $5000
• Fail to comply with a release order (3x)

Jonathan Blyan was held for a Justice of the Peace hearing and was remanded to appear in Vermilion Provincial Court on Monday, February 16 to speak to bail.

“The interdiction of this significant amount of illegal drugs will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community it was destined for. If it were not for the timely reporting from a member of the community, RCMP may not have been able to make this arrest and seizure.” Cpl Mike Dunsmore Vermilion RCMP.