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Two weekend search warrants end in arrests in Calling Lake

RCMP also recover numerous stolen vehicles in separate bust at the end of January
ATH RCMP winter

ATHABASCA – Two area women faces drug, weapons and possession of property obtained by crime charges after police executed a pair of weekend search warrants in the Hamlet of Calling Lake, roughly 60 kilometres north of the Town of Athabasca.

Following a detailed drug investigation, Athabasca RCMP report that on Saturday, Feb. 4, they, along with Desmarais RCMP, executed a search warrant at a residence in Calling Lake and seized “a quantity of drugs”, including hundreds of illicit pills and suspected methamphetamine, plus several weapons and a stolen vehicle.

Athabasca RCMP have arrested and charged 56-year-old Calling Lake resident Freda Gambler with several offences, including possession of a controlled substance and possession of property obtained by crime. Following a judicial hearing she was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Athabasca Provincial Court March 7.

Meanwhile that same day, Athabasca and Desmarais RCMP executed another search warrant in the community and seized a quantity of drugs, including 35 grams of what they believe to be cocaine. Police say they also seized several weapons, including a stolen high-power rifle, plus multiple prohibited weapons, “unlawfully possessed body armour” and a small quantity of Canadian currency. 

Subject to that investigation and search, several charges have been laid against Samantha Gladue including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, or prohibited weapon, and careless use of a firearm.

Following a judicial hearing, Gladue was released on bail, and is scheduled to appear in Athabasca Provincial Court March 7.

Athabasca RCMP report that that both busts “represents a significant seizure of drugs, weapons, and proceeds of crime that have been removed from our streets” and they’ll “continue to target this activity in our efforts at crime reduction to ensure safer communities for the residents of Athabasca County, Calling Lake, and the MD of Opportunity.”

Stolen vehicles recovered

On Jan. 25, Athabasca RCMP concluded an in-depth property crimes investigation that resulted in a number of stolen vehicles, plus a trailer that contained a “large amount of stolen vehicle parts”, being recovered.

Athabasca-area residents Michael Koochin, 37, Kelly Morin, 33, and Russell Workman, 58, all face charges of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, removing a vehicle identification number, fraudulent concealment and possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000 — Koochin also faces an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Following judicial hearings, Workman and Koochin were released from custody with several conditions to abide by, while Morin remains behind bars until his next court appearance.

Athabasca RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity as reports tell them where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

George Blais, TownandCountryToday.com

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