A joint investigation conducted by the Cochrane RCMP and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) has led to the arrest of a male charged with drug trafficking.

RCMP Corporal Tammy Keibel says they launched a three-month-long investigation, targeting street-level drug trafficking on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation.

"For a period of time there was an investigation ongoing, " says Keibel. "Subsequently, ALERT was engaged to further the investigation and an operation was done in January this year, targeting the street-level drug trafficking on the Stoney Nakoda First Nation."

Keibel says that drugs were seized and charges have been laid against a male resident of Calgary.

"Quantities of fentanyl were seized and subsequently charges were laid against a male and he is appearing in court tomorrow." 

Robert Barrie Pettitt (38), of Calgary, was arrested on February 3, 2021, and he is facing the charges of trafficking in a controlled drug or substance (x2) and one count of possession of proceeds of crime. 

After a Judicial hearing, Pettitt was released and he is scheduled to appear in Cochrane Provincial Court on March 9, 2021.

Keibel says that this matter is now before the courts and no further updates are anticipated.

She is urging anyone that suspects illicit drug activity in your community to contact your local RCMP detachment and if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact crime stoppers.