Valleyview RCMP makes arrest in drug and firearm related investigation

May 6, 2026 - Valleyview, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Valleyview, Alta. - On May 5, 2026, Valleyview RCMP executed a search warrant at two residences in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Alta. With the assistance of Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Western Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit and other supporting units, four adults were arrested from the two residences. A search of both residences led to the seizure of:

• Firearms;
• Prohibited firearms;
• Prohibited weapons;
• Ammunition;
• 84 grams of cocaine; and
• 214 grams of methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, four Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation residents were arrested:

First individual, a 28-year-old, was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to order (x6);
• Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition;
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Careless use of a firearm; and
• Tampering with serial number.

Second individual, a 42-year-old, was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Careless use of firearm; and
• Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition.

Third individual, a 40-year-old, was charged with:

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon (x2).

Fourth individual, a18-year-old, was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Failure to comply with release order (x5);
• Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition;
• Unauthorized possession of firearm;
• Careless use of a firearm; and
• Tampering with serial number.

Furthermore, information obtained from a concurrent investigation, stemming from a May 1, 2026, incident, resulted in the following charges:

The fist individual was charged with:

• Possession of firearm contrary to order (x6);
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
• Careless use of a firearm.

The fourth individual was charged with:

• Fail to Comply with Release order x2
• Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose; and
• Careless use of a firearm.

All four were brought before a justice of the peace. The first, second and fourth individuials  and Soto were remanded into custody, to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Valleyview on May 7, 2026. The third individual was released on conditions, to appear before the same court on May 21, 2026. 

Valleyview RCMP thanks the members of the public and the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation for their assistance in this matter.

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