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Grande Prairie… Four people have been arrested as an ALERT investigation into a suspected dial-a-dope operation in Grande Prairie recovered drugs, a stolen firearm and more than $34,000 cash.
On January 22, 2018, ALERT’s Grande Prairie organized crime and gang team, with the assistance of Grande Prairie RCMP, searched a city home and arrested four people.
“A successful ‘wrap-around’ crime reduction approach depends on successful partnerships. This is another example of a successful partnership between ALERT and local RCMP that removed a firearm and dangerous substances from our streets,” says RCMP Cpl. Chris Warren. “We will continue to target these criminal activities in efforts to reduce crime in our neighbourhoods.”
Drugs and other items were seized from the home, including:
A police check revealed that the rifle had been reported stolen after a break-and-enter in DeBolt, Alta., about 60 kilometres east of Grande Prairie, in January 2017.
Kenneth Erskine, 38, is charged with trafficking a controlled substance (x3) and possession of proceeds of crime. Erskine is also wanted for related offences on Vancouver Island.
Matthew Roberti, 27, is charged with trafficking a controlled substance (x4), possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2), possession of a controlled substance (x2), possession of proceeds of crime (x2) and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Tara Cartwright, 44, and Alexander Kalashnikoff, 31, are both charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2), possession of proceeds of crime (x5) and possession of a stolen firearm.
Erskine, Cartwright and Kalashnikoff are scheduled to appear in court on February 22. Roberti will appear in court on January 29.
This investigation began in late December 2017 after ALERT received information about drug trafficking activity in Grande Prairie.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to media: A high-resolution photo of goods seized is available for download: Photo 1
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.
