The RCMP’s Project Medicinae identified a suspect believed to be responsible for trafficking illegal drugs into Maskwacis.
The investigation conducted by the Maskwacis General Investigation Section (GIS) has been underway for over a year. In April 2022, GIS members became aware that someone was bringing illegal drugs into the four communities of Maskwacis.
To tackle the problem, Project Medicinae was launch. The GIS, with help from the St. Albert RCMP Drug Unit, was able to identify the suspect, as well as the street level trafficker who was selling the drugs.
The two suspects were arrested and charged after three search warrants were conducted on May 11.
The Maskwacis GIS and the St. Alberta drug unit searched a home St. Alberta and a home in Samson Cree Nation as well as a vehicle.
The following items were located and seized:
· 121 grams of cocaine, valued at $10,500 and;
· $1,200 in cash.
Cory Potts, 47-year-old male from the Samson Cree Nation, and Rusty Potts, a 37-year-old male from St. Albert, were charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Rusty also faces one additional count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
“This is a significant seizure of illegal drugs that won’t be distributed into our communities,” said Cst. Jake Colbeck of the Maskwacis RCMP in a release.
“This is a great example of two detachments working together with the goal of disrupting and dismantling the illegal drug trafficking that is going on.”
Both suspects were released from police custody. Rusty is scheduled to appear in St. Albert Provincial Court on June 6 and Cory is scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on June 14 at 9:30 a.m.
READ MORE: Maskwacis RCMP assist in significant seizure of illegal drugs; arrests made