RCMP Eastern Alberta Rural Crime Reduction Unit arrests one and seizes drugs near St. Paul

The RCMP Eastern Alberta Rural Crime Reduction Unit has made a significant drug bust in the Lakeland area near St. Paul.

According to the RCMP, “On April 4, around 6:00 p.m., after a multi month investigation EAD RCRU (Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit) stopped and arrested a male transporting drugs from Edmonton to Saddle Lake.”

After completing a long term investigation it was determined that large quantities of drugs were flowing into Saddle Lake First Nation from Edmonton.  With the assistance of RCMP Eastern Alberta District General Investigative Services, Lloydminster ALERT, Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, St. Paul Police Dog Services, Alberta RCMP Air Services, Eastern Alberta District Intelligence Unit and St. Paul RCMP, a lone male was intercepted and arrested without incident after his vehicle was disabled west of Saddle Lake.

What is believed to be approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, 458 grams of crack cocaine and 238 grams of cannabis were seized at the scene.  The approximate value is believed to be over $80,000.00.

Allen Rodney Hunter, 42, of Saddle Lake First Nation was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
• Possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling

“These drugs were destined for the community of Saddle Lake.  By working with a large number of partners we were able to target the supply of drugs flowing into the community and hopefully make the largest impact possible on public safety,” Said Sgt. David Graham of EAD RCRU.

Hunter was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court on April 21, 2022.