Proactive traffic enforcement in the Onion Lake area has led to multiple arrests, drug seizures and impaired drivers removed from local roads over four days in May.
Between May 21 and 25, Onion Lake RCMP officers made several arrests and laid charges related to drug trafficking, weapons possession and impaired driving.
“Community safety is a huge priority for us. Part of ensuring that safety is being proactive,” said S/Sgt. Corey Buckingham of Onion Lake RCMP.
On May 21, an officer stopped a vehicle on Chief Taylor Road for a sobriety check. The driver showed signs of intoxication and was arrested. Officers seized methamphetamine, weapons and trafficking paraphernalia from the vehicle.
Winddancer Paul, 28, of Alberta and Shannon Gamble, 28, of Onion Lake face the following charges:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Three days later, a vehicle fled from an officer attempting a traffic stop on 9 Mile Road. The officer tracked down the vehicle and arrested an occupant, finding methamphetamine, a knife and trafficking paraphernalia inside.
Chantelle Cannepotato, 42, of Onion Lake faces four charges, including:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
The following day, officers spotted a suspicious parked vehicle. Inside, they found open alcohol alongside cocaine, methamphetamine, trafficking paraphernalia and ammunition.
Warren Littlewolfe, 35, of Edmonton and Carrie Dillon, 40, of Onion Lake each face:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
Littlewolfe faces three additional charges:
- Possessing ammunition while prohibited (three counts)
The enforcement stretch extended beyond drug and weapons arrests. RCMP Officers conducted numerous proactive traffic stops during the same period, resulting in nine roadside licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments for drivers who had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. One person was charged with Criminal Code impaired driving offences.
Buckingham said the results speak for themselves.
“In the past few weeks, our police officers have removed methamphetamine, cocaine and weapons from our communities. They have taken drivers who have consumed alcohol off our roads. Proactive patrols truly do make a difference in keeping the Onion Lake area safe, and we will continue to do them.”
All accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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