RCMP, ALERT Round Up Drug Dealers in Northern Alberta Communities

Peace River… A joint investigation involving the Peace Regional RCMP Detachment’s General Investigation Section and two ALERT teams has resulted in charges against 11 street-level drug dealers in rural communities in northern Alberta.

ALERT Grande Prairie’s organized crime and gang team, ALERT Edmonton and the Peace Regional General Investigation Section, along with the assistance of Peace Regional and Fairview RCMP detachments, launched a joint investigation into street-level drug trafficking in the region, commencing in June 2017. As a result of the investigation, three search warrants were executed in both Peace River and Fairview between July 5 and 7, 2017.

In executing the warrants, investigators seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine, seven grams of methamphetamines, 108 grams of marijuana and 22 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, as well as more than $4,000 cash proceeds of crime, drug paraphernalia and one firearm.

“Drug trafficking isn’t just a big-city problem. It affects communities of all sizes right across Alberta,” says Insp. Dave Dubnyk, officer in charge of regional teams at ALERT. “Dealers may think they’re flying under the radar outside urban centres, but ALERT and the RCMP are committed to working together to stop them, no matter where they’re operating.”

“This operation is significant in that it got a lot of drugs off the streets of the communities we serve,” adds Cpl. David Browne of the Peace River RCMP detachment. “That makes those communities safer for everyone.”

David Sietsma, 30, and Nicole Sietsma, 32, of Fairview have each been charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime.

Rebecca Lund, 34, of Peace River faces two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance, and three counts of failing to comply with recognizance.

Three others face charges of trafficking in a controlled substance:

• David Neufeld, 30, of Peace River (x1);
• Christopher Valin, 24, of Grimshaw (x2); and
• Lana Kraberger, 39, of Grimshaw (x1).

Charges are still pending against five other people, and more charges could be laid against those named above in the near future.

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