The RCMP has laid multiple drug weapons charges in a continued effort to crack down in the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

Patrick Striker Holloway, 33, faces 19 charges, including multiple weapon offenses, after the RCMP executed a search warrant at a Bear Hill area residence on June 10.  Discovered were three firearms as well as evidence that the accused was modifying airsoft guns to shoot real ammunition.

Charges included breaching release conditions, possession for the purpose of trafficking firearms, and possession of stolen property.

Holloway is currently remanded with his next court appearance scheduled for June 15.

Also June 10, Swapnil Chauhan, 24, of Calgary, was charged with six drug-related offenses, including possession for the purpose of trafficking, and failing to comply with release conditions.

A search of his vehicle on Morley Rd. revealed quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, cash, and items consistent with drug trafficking.

Chauhan was released on $2,000 bail with conditions. His next court date is scheduled for July 13.

Martinez Stone, 18, of Saskatoon, was charged with eight weapon offenses and resisting arrest after both the Stoney Nakoda and Canmore responded to a call on June 5.

A report had been received of a male pointing a gun at passers-by on Hwy. 1. Later in the evening, Stoney Nakoda Security alerted the RCMP to the same suspicious vehicle near the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.

Upon arrest, a 40-cal. handgun was discovered in his vehicle.

Stone was released for court with his next appearance on July 6.

A search of a residence just south of the Morley townsite on June 4 led to the discovery of quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, stolen property, ammunition, and knives.

Sedrick Powderface faces 10 charges, including breach of conditions, possession of stolen property, drug possession, and weapons offenses.

He remains in custody until his next court appearance on June 15.

A 15-year teenager was struck by a vehicle while Vince Abraham was attempting to flee RCMP on June 1. The victim received minor injuries. 

The 22-year-old man was charged with seven offenses, including possession of methamphetamine, weapons offenses, possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight.

RCMP had observed suspicious activity at a Morley residence before Abraham's arrest. When the house was approached, two vehicles attempted to flee. Abraham was one of the motorists and struck another vehicle in the yard, then the teenager, before becoming stuck in a garbage pile in the yard.

This is the second time that Abraham has been charged for flight and dangerous driving in the last month.

He has been released for court on conditions and has since failed to appear.

Andrew Pooreagle faces weapons offenses as well as four counts of breaching release conditions.

On May 26,  an RCMP officer approached a suspicious vehicle at a residence in Morley. Pooreagle ran into the home. As officers attempted to obtain judicial authorization to enter the home, the suspect exited and surrendered.

A search was conducted and quantities of meth, heroin, and knives were located.

Pooreagle remains in custody until his next court appearance on June 22.

Since the creation of the Stoney Naokoda satellite detachment on Jan. 4, the RCMP has focused on improving its response to the influx of dangerous illegal drugs on to Stoney Nakoda First Nation

“Although the RCMP are proud of our recent enforcement successes combating substance abuse in the community, we recognize that efforts along the lines of restorative justice and working with Stoney Nakoda leadership to develop community programs is the only way that long term meaningful solutions will be found,” says Inspector Dave Brunner of the Cochrane RCMP.