LAKELAND - What is being described as a complex investigation that stretched through a large area of the Lakeland and into Edmonton came to a head recently and resulted in a large drug seizure and charges for two individuals.
In September of 2020, the Eastern Alberta District - General Investigation Section (EAD GIS) entered into a methamphetamine drug trafficking investigation in relation to a Myrnam, Alta., resident who was suspected to be trafficking methamphetamine in the Lakeland area. Myrnam is located south of St. Paul, along Highway 881.
The individual was suspected of trafficking in the St. Paul, Saddle Lake, Kehewin, Bonnyville and Elk Point areas.
"Through investigative means, EAD GIS was able to identify a residence in the west end of Edmonton that was related to this investigation," according to RCMP.
On May 10 of this year, EAD GIS with the assistance of Strathcona County RCMP Drug Unit and the Edmonton Police Service, arrested two people for trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance. A search by RCMP resulted in the seizure of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine and a large quantity of Canadian currency.
Then, on May 11, EAD GIS, with the assistance of the Lloydminster Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and Two Hills RCMP, executed a search warrant on a residence in Myrnam.
"A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 750 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine and a large quantity of Canadian currency," according to RCMP.
In the early afternoon hours of May 11, the EAD GIS, with the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service Tactical Section, conducted a search warrant on a residence in the west end of Edmonton.
"A search of the residence revealed more than seven kilograms of various suspected controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms), two loaded prohibited handguns, two restricted handguns, a pistol grip shotgun, and an assault style rifle with a prohibited extended magazine," according to RCMP.
In total, over seven kilograms of suspected controlled substances and two kilograms of suspected buffering agents were seized by police. These seizures amount to taking over 60,000 doses of the various drugs off the streets.
“Drug trafficking is a crime that impacts us all in many different ways,” said Cpl. Bobby Burgess, team leader of EAD GIS. "I’m confident this seizure will have a significant impact on drug trafficking operations in the Lakeland area, specifically in the communities of St. Paul and Saddle Lake. EAD-GIS is committed to continue being proactive in identifying and investigating drug traffickers in service to the communities we serve.”
About $80,000 in Canadian currency, believed to be proceeds of crime, was also seized during the searches.
Two people have been arrested and are facing a number of charges in relation to this lengthy investigation.
Diane Cecile Montandon, a 52-year-old female from Myrnam has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (meth) (x 2)
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime (currency)
- Possession of property obtained by crime (currency)
- Unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm
Following a judicial hearing, Montandon was remanded into custody and is scheduled to attend Edmonton Provincial Court on May 18.
Matthew Allen Tierney, a 30-year-old male from Edmonton has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (meth, cocaine and heroin) (x 3)
- Trafficking of a controlled substance (meth)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x 2)
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm (x 2)
- Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm (x 3)
- Possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number (x 2)
Following a judicial hearing, Tierney was released on cash bail with conditions and is scheduled to attend Edmonton Provincial Court on May 26.
EAD GIS is made up of a three-officer district investigative support unit, which includes one corporal and two constables. Their mandate is to provide support, guidance and investigative assistance to detachments located throughout Eastern Alberta District, specifically when the file relates to serious, complex, organized, or multi jurisdictional crimes.
