Two suspects are facing trafficking charges in the latest of a series of drug busts on the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

On July 15, members of the Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit stopped a vehicle at the Centex Gas Bar on the Nation. As a result of observations made by the officers, all four occupants of the vehicle were arrested. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 25.4 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, 4.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl, and $1,645 in Canadian currency.

Vincent Abraham, 53, and Agnes Poucette, 46, both from Stoney Nakoda First Nation, have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance. Both have been released on bail with conditions. Their next court appearance is on Aug. 3 at the Cochrane Provincial Court.

That same vehicle had failed to stop for the RCMP in the past, says Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, but did not get away this time.

"Our officers were able to pull in behind them in such a manner to prevent them from trying to flee," he says. "Upon approaching the vehicle, they observed four occupants and quickly saw a clear indication that there was drug use in the vehicle."

Cpl. Savinkoff says it's the latest in a string of successful charges laid by the crime reduction unit and members of the Stoney Nakoda satellite detachment.

"We've had a lot of successes this year, and obviously we've got the right people in place to be effective and are seeing the fruit of these labours. We hope to continue these successes. 

"In speaking to some of these individuals after we arrested them, we do hear some comments that they make that we are having an affected, and we hope to increase those efforts going forward."

He says the use of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl continues to be a large issue not only in Stoney Nakoda but Alberta and Canada.

"Any success that we have as far as catching some of those individuals involved in trafficking is a big win for us, and we hope it will contribute to a safer community."

If you have any information on drug trafficking in the Cochrane and Stoney Nakoda Area, please contact the Cochrane RCMP at 403-932-2211 or your local police.

If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.