Elk Point – Five people have been arrested after RCMP say a backpack containing 300 grams of suspected cocaine and 364 grams of suspected methamphetamine was thrown from a vehicle that refused to stop for police near Elk Point.

The incident began around 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 2 when Elk Point RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle, but police say the driver refused to stop.

RCMP RTOC was engaged, bringing in assistance from Cold Lake RCMP, Bonnyville RCMP and Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services.

During the incident, police say occupants of the vehicle were seen throwing a backpack from the vehicle. Officers later recovered the bag and say it contained 300 grams of suspected cocaine, 364 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

RCMP successfully deployed a Tire Deflation Device before the vehicle eventually entered the ditch.

Four adults and one youth were arrested without further incident.

As a result of the investigation, Hailey Favel, 21, of Saddle Lake First Nation, and a 17-year-old female from Saddle Lake First Nation were charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Flight from police.

Justin Moses, 45, of Keheewin First Nation, and Keegan Shirt, 21, of Cold Lake, were charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Flight from police; and
• Possession of a weapon while prohibited.

Tyrone Shirt, 39, of Cold Lake First Nation, was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Flight from police;
• Breach of probation; and
• Breach of release order.

All five were brought before a justice of the peace.

Moses and Tyrone Shirt were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Elk Point on Sept. 9.

Favel, Keegan Shirt and the youth were released on conditions. Favel and Keegan Shirt are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 6, while the youth is scheduled to appear on Sept. 15.

The 17-year-old cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The charges have not been proven in court.