News release from Alberta RCMP

Red Deer RCMP arrest individual for drug trafficking

On Jan. 22, 2025, Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) arrested one male as a result of a drug trafficking investigation.

Police executed search warrants on a residence and motor vehicle in the Red Deer area. As a result of the investigation, police seized over 16 ounces of cocaine that had been pre-packaged for sale and also pressed into a brick form, 140 Oxycodone tablets, items used in the trafficking of controlled substances and over $100,000 in Canadian currency.

Ermias Yohannes, a 36-year-old resident of Ontario, has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x2
• Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000

Yohannes was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 30, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

“Red Deer RCMP remain committed to improving public safety and disrupting drug trafficking activities within our communities” said Cst. Andrew Devine, Red Deer RCMP GIS.

If you have information regarding this event or any other suspicious or illegal activity within the City of Red Deer, please contact Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

From the Alberta RCMP

B.C. traveller arrested for drug exportation during Calgary layover

Calgary – On Nov. 17, 2024, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Calgary International Airport were conducting outbound exams when they intercepted luggage from a commercial flight destined for the United Kingdom. During the exam, officers found and seized 12 kg of pressed cocaine and a tracking device. The owner of the bag was subsequently arrested by CBSA prior to boarding a flight to Heathrow Airport.

The Integrated Border Enforcement Team in Alberta, a joint force operation between the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, CBSA and Calgary Police Service, was notified and a criminal investigation was initiated into the traveller and the seized drugs.

Justin Harry Carl Beck, 29, a resident of Port Coquitlam, B.C., was arrested and charged with:

• Exportation of a controlled substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Beck is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on May 6, 2025.

“This seizure is a testament to the exemplary work and investigative expertise shown by CBSA Border Services Officers at Calgary International Airport.  Through our key partnerships with the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service, the CBSA works to disrupt those attempting to smuggle illegal drugs across our borders and hold them accountable.”

• Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency

“The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s top priority has always been, and will continue to be, public safety. This investigation serves as an important reminder that this extends beyond any border. By working together, we prevented this individual from importing an illicit substance into a foreign country where it had the potential to cause significant harm to others, all for the sake of turning a profit.”

• Supt. Sean Boser, Officer in Charge of Federal Serious Organized Crime and Border Integrity – Alberta, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region

“This investigation underscores the importance of collaboration in drug trafficking investigations. Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the country, and internationally, are vital to addressing crimes that cross multiple borders. By intercepting these drugs before they could reach their destination, we have ensured a safer community, both locally and abroad.”

• Supt. Jeff Bell, Criminal Operations & Intelligence Division, Calgary Police Service

IBET’s mandate is to enhance border integrity and security along the shared border, between designated ports of entry, by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons, organizations and goods that are involved in criminal activities.