In May of 2023, a prison drug trafficking operation was dismantled after an investigation led by Drumheller RCMP General Investigative Services (GIS).

Several drones and a large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl were seized, and two suspects were charged, including one inmate. 

RCMP identified a person and an inmate who were facilitating the introduction of drugs and phones into the Drumheller Institution through illicit drone flights.

Last month (March 15), police executed a search warrant at a residence in Eckville.

As a result of the search warrant, the following was seized:   

  • 1.3 Kilograms of Cocaine
  • 2.2 Kilograms of Methamphetamine;
  • 2.1 grams of Fentanyl
  • Canadian Currency and a money counter
  • Two Prohibited Weapons
  • Two drones
  • Cell Phones
  • A loaded shotgun
  • Break in instruments
  • A 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 and a 2018 GMC Yukon.

Multiple RCMP Support Units were engaged throughout the investigation, including Sylvan Lake General Duty officers, Sylvan Lake GIS, Blackfalds GIS, Digital Forensic Services Unit, Forensic Identification Section (FIS), Special Operations, and more.

As a result, the RCMP has laid several charges.

39-year-old Ashley Maki, a resident of Eckville, and 32-year-old John Andrews from Drumheller Institution, have jointly been charged with:

  • Conspiracy to Commit an indictable offence
  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime

In addition, Maki has also been jointly charged with 19-year-old Dayton Chassie, another resident of Eckville, with:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
  • Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking Possession of Proceeds of Crime
  • Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
  • Possession of Break-in Instruments

Maki was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer court on June 17.

A warrant of arrest has been issued for Chassie, who remains large.

Andrews remains incarcerated and awaits a Judicial Process/court date to answer the charges.

Drumheller RCMP and partners continue to investigate this matter; additional charges are pending.

“This was a lengthy and meticulous investigation resulting in the removal of illicit and harmful drugs and weapons from our communities.  This is another example of numerous RCMP Units and our valued partners working together to ensure safe and secure communities," Staff Sergeant Robert Harms of Drumheller RCMP explained.

If you have any information regarding these matters, contact Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590 or your local Police Service.

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