An RCMP enforcement blitz in the Rocky Mountain House area has resulted in multiple arrests, warrant executions, stolen vehicle recoveries and drug and cash seizures.

The Alberta RCMP Rural Organized Crime Team (ROCT) conducted the multi-day operation from Sept. 3 to 5 in partnership with Rocky Mountain House RCMP, the Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU), the Rocky Mountain House Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS).

Police targeted high-risk offenders, outstanding warrants and prolific crime locations in Rocky Mountain House, Caroline, Clearwater County, and the Sunchild and O’Chiese First Nations.

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

• two stolen vehicles;
• 19 grams of suspected methamphetamine;
• 9.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine;
• 8.5 grams of suspected cocaine;
• 1.9 grams of suspected fentanyl;
• five unknown pills; and
• $540 in Canadian currency.

Police arrested six people on outstanding warrants involving 16 offences, including two robbery-related charges.

Officers also laid four charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, six Criminal Code charges and four provincial act charges.

During surveillance in an area known for increased criminal activity, police located a stolen vehicle and arrested three people. Several outstanding warrants were executed, new charges were laid in relation to possession of stolen property, and a stolen vehicle was recovered.

In another incident, police located an individual wanted on multiple outstanding warrants. The individual fled into a nearby residence, prompting police to obtain a warrant to enter the home.

With assistance from RCMP Police Dog Services, two people were arrested without incident. Police also recovered a stolen vehicle from the property.

During proactive patrols in a targeted enforcement area, officers spotted a vehicle displaying a stolen licence plate parked outside a residence.

Police watched the vehicle leave the property and initiated a traffic stop.

The passenger fled and was arrested following a short foot pursuit. The individual was wanted on outstanding robbery-related warrants and was found in possession of controlled substances and $540 in Canadian currency.

The individual was arrested on the outstanding warrant and has been charged with drug trafficking-related offences.

On May 28, the Alberta government announced $8 million in additional funding for law enforcement to combat organized crime.

The Alberta RCMP received $2 million of that funding, which supported the creation of the Alberta Rural Organized Crime Team. RCMP say the team is having an impact in communities across the province.