The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Drumheller, in conjunction with Correctional Services Canada and the Calgary Police Service have announced the arrest of three people involved with a failed prison drone delivery earlier this year.

On March 26, an inquiry was launched after penitentiary personnel reported the presence of an unauthorized drone near the prison, along with accounts of an unidentified individual in the vicinity.

When the authorities approached the individual, they ran away, abandoning a backpack that was found to contain 141 grams of methamphetamine, 32 grams of hash oil, two cellphones, a scale, and various other items that the police believe were linked to drug trafficking.

A mission on May 10th, spearheaded by the Drumheller RCMP General Investigation Section, involved the execution of search warrants in Rosedale and Calgary.

Throughout those searches, law enforcement confiscated three drones, four cellphones, a Taser, brass knuckles, substances believed to be methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, as well as an unspecified sum of money and additional paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking.

John McConnel, 41, of Calgary, was arrested and charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime and driving while disqualified.

Following the operation, Tawny Markiewicz, a 31-year-old resident of Morrin, and Jeffrey Morse, a 41-year-old resident of Drumheller, were arrested by the police, who claimed to have witnessed a drug exchange.

Both individuals were accused of possessing drugs with the intention of trafficking. Additionally, Morse was charged with violating the terms of his release order.

Additional charges from the RCMP are pending as they continue to investigate the matter.

Post Image- Drumheller RCMP say they intercepted an attempt to bring drugs into Drumheller Institution by drone. Their investigation led to the seizure of three drones, drugs, and cash. (Image Credit: Gina Slaney- Drumheller RCMP).

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