Cold Lake RCMP makes arrests in drug trafficking investigation

A months-long investigation into illegal drug trafficking in Cold Lake has led to multiple arrests, the seizure of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription pills, cash, and a loaded handgun, after RCMP and partner units executed four search warrants on Aug. 21, 2025.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, the Cold Lake RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS) concluded an extensive investigation into drug trafficking within the city. With assistance from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in Lloydminster, the RCMP’s Community Response Team (CRT) in Edmonton, the RCMP’s Eastern Alberta District (EAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), and the Bonnyville RCMP GIS, four search warrants were carried out in Cold Lake, resulting in the arrest of several individuals.

From the search warrants, police seized the following:

• Approximately 70 grams of suspected cocaine

• Approximately 100 grams of suspected methamphetamine

• A large quantity of prescription pills

• Over $26,000 in Canadian currency

• A loaded .40 calibre Glock handgun

• Other weapons and items consistent with drug trafficking

As a result of the investigation, two Cold Lake residents were arrested.

Karen Desjarlais (42) has been charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Failing to comply with the conditions of a release order

Warren Johannesen-Quail (35) has been charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition

• Possession of a firearm while being unauthorized

• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order

• Possession of a weapon obtained by crime

• Possession of proceeds of crime

• Failing to comply with the conditions of a release order

Both Desjarlais and Johannesen-Quail were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on Aug. 26, 2025.