Nearly $1M in contraband seized in Vermilion area during routine traffic stops: RCMP

The Alberta RCMP Roving Traffic North Unit set up shop from May 4-9 looking for usual traffic infractions, but two of their stops proved to be hugely valuable in getting drugs off the streets. 

Traffic units doing patrols in the Vermilion area seized close to a million dollars worth of meth, cocaine, and cigarettes on two separate stops in the detachment area earlier this month.

On May 4, when verifying a vehicle’s license and registration, officers suspected an involvement with drugs and searched the vehicle.

As a result, 10 kilos of methamphetamine and two kilos of cocaine were seized, which carries an approximate street value of $920,000. 

Darcy Chernowsky, 33, a resident of Roberts Creek, BC, was charged with two counts of Possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He was released on conditions and is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion on July 7, 2025.

Cigarettes

Two days later, a vehicle equipment issue led to a pullover. The driver was trying to hide unstamped tobacco from police, authorities say.

The vehicle was searched, resulting in the seizure of 90,000 cigarettes, an approximate $44,000 value.

As a result of the investigation, Kimberly Butterfield, 53, a resident of Alberta Beach, was charged with:

• • Possession of unstamped tobacco
  • Possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of trafficking; and
  • Fraud over $5000.

Butterfield was released on conditions and is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion on July 7, 2025.

This RCMP press released also detailed a major bust from southern Alberta as a separate traffic unit uncovered 260 grams of fentanyl and 10 grams of cocaine, for an estimated street value of $53000.

As a result of the investigation, Ibrahim Al-Taai (21), a resident of Saskatoon, SK, was charged with:

• • Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Obstruct Police Officer; and
  • Identity Fraud.

Al-Taai was released on conditions and is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on June 20, 2025.