News release

Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit and partners seize significant amount of drugs

March 17, 2026 - Cochrane, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

Content

Cochrane, Alta. – In April of 2025, Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), with assistance from RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, began investigating a male suspected of trafficking drugs between Calgary and Lethbridge. On Feb. 26, 2026, RCMP located a vehicle associated with the suspect at a known problem address on Stoney Nakoda First Nation. The vehicle was subsequently towed after the registered owner claimed it has been taken without consent.

Through continued investigation, Cochrane CRU confirmed that the suspect was actively involved in drug trafficking within the Stoney Nakoda First Nation community. Investigators utilized several techniques which ultimately led officers to a storage locker in Airdrie. 

Police confirmed that the storage locker belonged to the suspect, and on March 9, 2026, RCMP executed a search warrant on the storage locker. During the search, investigators seized approximately 1.4 kilos of controlled substances. The suspect was not present at the time of the search. 

On March 11, 2026, the suspect attended a tow yard in Cochrane where the previously towed vehicle from Stoney Nakoda First Nation was stored. Officers with Cochrane RCMP, General Investigation Section (GIS) and CRU, with assistance from Southern Alberta District GIS, established covert surveillance on the suspect. 

Additional resources were deployed to assist, including the Emergency Response Team, RCMP Police Dog Services and Calgary Police Services HAWCS, however, the suspect exited his vehicle and began walking away while carrying a bag. Police moved in quickly and were able to safely apprehend him. A search of the bag incidental to arrest resulted in the additional seizure of 2.7 kilos of suspected drugs. 

In total, investigators seized:

• 581.2 grams of suspected fentanyl;
• 1041 grams of suspected cocaine;
• 2472.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine;
• 2.2 grams of suspected carfentanil; and
• $6798 of Canadian currency.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $450,000.

Dylan Watson (42), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking Cocaine (x2);
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl (x2); and
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine (x2).

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Watson was remanded into custody. He will appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on March 12, 2026.

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