Two Highway 3 traffic stops net over 300 pounds of marijuana and $15,000 cash

RCMP press release

Approximately 300 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of hash, approximately $15,000 in Canadian currency and a semi-truck were seized in two separate traffic stops in a 24 hour period on October 21 and 22.

On October 21, an RCMP officer stopped a male for a traffic safety infraction while he was travelling on Highway 3 in the Crowsnest Pass area. Through further investigation, approximately $15,000 in Canadian currency, three grams of marijuana, and two grams of MDMA was revealed. The RCMP has charged Jordan Tracey, 27, of Fernie, BC, with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and one count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime. He is scheduled to appear in Pincher Creek Provincial Court on December 17.

The following day, on October 22, an RCMP officer stopped an eastbound semi-truck on Highway 3 in the Crowsnest Pass area. Upon further investigation, a positive indication was made by police service dog Hogan. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 300 pounds of raw cannabis marijuana, approximately five pounds of hash and 14 pounds of an unknown cannabis-related substance.

The RCMP has charged the driver, Wendy Baldwin, 56, and co-driver, Michael Robilland, 55, both of Ontario, with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. The semi the pair was travelling in was also seized. Baldwin and Robilland will appear in Pincher Creek Provincial Court on November 12.

“This isn’t a small amount of drugs intended for personal use.” says Superintendent Howard Eaton, Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Services. “It’s major amounts of drugs destined for the streets of Canada, and it’s indicative of organized crime activity.”

Seizures of this magnitude have a substantial effect in illicit drug supply and reduce the amount of illegal drugs in communities. Over 450,000 marijuana cigarettes can be made with 300 pounds of marijuana.

Traffic stops on Alberta’s highways can lead to significant seizures of illicit drugs, firearms, stolen goods and other contraband materials. Specially trained Roving Traffic Units (RTU) team members and police service dogs are just some of the tools RCMP are using to reduce illegal activity and reduce crime. RTUs are responsible for the seizure of millions of dollars in narcotics from travelling criminals, and the presence of these specialized teams directly contributes to reducing crime and keeps Alberta’s roads and highways safe.