News release

One-year sentence handed down in Fort Smith drug investigation

October 7, 2025 - Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

An accused has been sentenced to a year in custody after a 2023 Fort Smith drug investigation.

In October of 2023 while executing a search warrant at a residence in Fort Smith as part of an unrelated investigation, officers located a quantity of suspected cocaine, scales and other drug paraphernalia consistent with trafficking.

Lance Heron of Fort Smith was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

On September 26th, 2025, Heron was sentenced to one year of custody, less time already served in remand. He will serve 18 months of probation after his release and will be prohibited from possessing firearms for a period of 10 years.

Heron has several other outstanding charges before the courts relating to another matter which was the subject of a press release on May 12th of this year.

This sentence is a positive outcome for the investigation and is reflective of the harm that communities suffer as a result of the illicit drug trade.

Contacts