Four Grande Prairie residents face 30 charges following ALERT drug bust

April 16, 2013

Grande Prairie…ALERT’s Grande Prairie Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) wrapped up a three-month investigation with the seizure of drugs and weapons, and numerous charges against one woman and three men.

On April 14, CFSEU-Grande Prairie executed a search warrant that led to the seizure of 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, 500 grams of methamphetamine, and over $1,000 cash. Combined, the drugs have an estimated street value of over $223,000. The team also seized three long-barreled firearms, two of which were sawed off. The Grande Prairie RCMP, including their Police Dog Services Unit, provided assistance.

“We know that drug trafficking activity increases the potential for violence,” explained CFSEU-Grande Prairie’s Sgt. Jason Gibson. “While the seizures are significant, we know there is more work to be done and will continue to target those who put our communities at risk.”

As a result of this investigation, four Grande Prairie residents are charged:

• Scott Adam MCKAY, age 31, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and three counts of failure to comply with a recognizance;
• Marlon TABUCAO, age 32, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Mahasin Amanda HADIJA, age 30, is charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and three counts each of unsafe storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• Paul Andrew ELLIOTT, age 36, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, failure to comply with an undertaking, and three counts each of unsafe storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

A warrant for the arrest of Paul Andrew ELLIOTT has been issued. MCKAY, TABUCAO and HADIJA have all been released on bail and will make their next court appearances in Grande Prairie on April 24.

To report suspicious activity in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

CFSEU, made up of municipal police and RCMP members, is an ALERT team established and funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Sgt. Jason Gibson
CFSEU-Grande Prairie
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-357-5577

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028