A month-long police investigation has acquired large amounts of anabolic steroids and cocaine.
Ponoka RCMP were recently tipped to a chop shop that was taking parts from stolen trucks and selling them. Further investigations found that individuals were also selling anabolic steroids, which are a controlled substance.
This investigation led to the arrest of Steven Pawlowich, 33, of Edmonton, who was driving a stolen 2007 Harley Davidson Edition Ford F250 in Red Deer June 1. A search of his Edmonton home found two ounces of cocaine and a large amount of illegal steroids.
He was remanded in custody and was set to appear in court this week as he had other warrants for his arrest.
Pawlowich is charged with trafficking cocaine and a controlled substance and possession of stolen property more than $5,000. There have been seven arrests since police were first tipped off over a Kijiji ad that was reported to be selling stolen parts.
Drivers face impaired driving charges
One of three impaired drivers last week was stopped on Baker Road at 12:50 a.m. May 29. A traffic stop showed open liquor in the vehicle and a 36-year-old man from Hobbema provided blood alcohol samples of .24 and .23. The driver admitted to police he was coming to Ponoka for a “beer run.” He had a suspended licence, no insurance and no registration.
The second impaired driver was a 45-year-old man from Strathcona County. He was seen swerving and tailgating northbound on Highway 2 near Ponoka May 31 at 5:40 p.m. He was driving an orange Dodge Ram and provided samples of .19 and .18.
The third impaired charge was given to 34-year-old woman from Pigeon Lake. Police stopped her vehicle north of 51 Street and 48 Avenue over some equipment being defective. She provided samples of .12 and .10.
Company truck seized
Police have seized a company truck for seven days after a 28-year-old Calgary man was stopped for erratic driving. It was reported the man was passing and slowing down on the highway and making funny faces at drivers.
After stopping the truck the officer smelled liquor on the driver’s breath. Although he didn’t fail the test, the driver only had a graduated driver’s licence, which means he is not allowed to have any presence of alcohol while driving. Not only was the company truck taken for a week but his licence was also seized for 30 days.
Vandalism at Crestomere School
Nine windows were broken at the Crestomere School over the weekend. Ponoka County equipment was also damaged with heavy duty equipment windows smashed in. RCMP are looking for suspects.
Golf carts damaged
Police were called to investigate damage to five golf carts at Wolf Creek Golf Resort June 2. Suspects appeared to have driven the carts around the golf course and two were left on their side. Police are looking for suspects.
Mailboxes vandalized
Police were called to investigate vandalism to some mailboxes May 31. Three mailboxes were driven over by a vehicle on Township Road 443.
Trampoline stolen
Police are looking for suspects who took a trampoline from a yard between 1:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. May 29. A white pickup truck is believed to have been used to take the trampoline on the 5300 block of 63 Street.
If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.