Cold Lake RCMP makes arrests in drug trafficking investigation

On March 15, 2024, the Cold Lake RCMP General Investigations Section concluded a drug trafficking investigation within the city of Cold Lake. With the assistance of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in Lloydminster, and the Cold Lake Detachment, police executed a search warrant at two residences in Cold Lake North.

 

As a result of the search warrant, the following items were seized:

 

• Approximately 283 grams of suspected cocaine;
• Approximately 63 grams of suspected methamphetamine;
• Approximately 112 grams of suspected buffing agent;
• Over $5000.00 in Canadian currency;
• Ammunition;
• Multiple drug-trafficking paraphernalia;
• Two stolen snowmobiles; and
• A 2022 Chevrolet Silverado believed to be used in the commission of offences.

 

“Illegal drug trafficking has a negative impact on the safety of the communities where it takes place while the people engaged in these activities profit. The Cold Lake General Investigations Section will continue to investigate illegal drug traffickers in the Cold Lake area. If you feel there is drug trafficking taking place in your community please contact the Cold Lake RCMP or Crime Stoppers” said Cpl. Ben Burgess.

Brandon Hunter (38), a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

 

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime; and
• Possession of ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order.

 

Karen Desjarlais (40), a resident of Cold Lake, has been charged with the following offences:

 

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.00.

 

Desjarlais and Hunter were brought before a justice of the peace. Hunter was remanded into custody and will appear at the Cold Lake Alberta Court of Justice on March 20, 2024 while Desjarlais was released and will appear at the same court on March 27, 2024.