Eastern Alberta District GIS Drug Investigation Results in Significant Drug Seizure and Charges
Alberta RCMP
Submitted
St. PauI, Alta.– On September of 2020 Eastern Alberta District – General Investigation Section (EAD GIS) entered into a methamphetamine drug trafficking investigation in relation to a Myrnam, Alberta resident who was suspected to be trafficking methamphetamine in the Lakeland area including 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. On May 10, 2021, EAD GIS, with the assistance of Strathcona County RCMP Drug Unit and the Edmonton Police Service, arrested two individuals for trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance. A search incidental to arrest resulted in a seizure of approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine and a large quantity of Canadian currency.
On May 11, 2021, 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, Alta. 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.
In the early afternoon hours of May 11, 2021, 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 7 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.
In total, over 7 kilograms of suspected controlled substances and 2 kilograms of suspected buffering agents were seized. These seizures amount to taking approximately over 60,000 doses of these various drugs off the streets. Approximately $80,000 in Canadian currency, believed to be proceeds of crime, was also seized during the searches.
Two individuals have been arrested and are facing numerous 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, 2021.
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, 2021.
“Drug trafficking is a crime that impacts us all in many different ways,” says Corporal 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.”
EAD GIS is comprised 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.
