A joint investigation by Westlock RCMP and Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) ended with a local couple being charged and more than $85,000 in illicit drugs being taken off the street last week.
D’arcy Payne, 45, and Misty Payne, 41, are jointly charged with five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime after authorities raided a rural property Dec. 5 near Westlock. D’arcy also faces three charges of breaching a recognizance in relation to an investigation that took place in Sturgeon County for similar offences.
Police seized 824 grams of methamphetamine; 319 methamphetamine tablets; 369 MDMA tablets; 74 grams of cocaine; 300 mL of GHB and $5,000 cash, considered to be the proceeds of crime.
“Removing this quantity of drugs off the streets helps to ensure the safety of all Westlock and area residents. Our members will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in combating the illegal drug trade”, said Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird.
Police also found 50 grams of what is suspected to be fentanyl powder, though initial tests were inconclusive and lab tests have not yet verified that, said ALERT communications director Mike Tucker.
“It’s pretty significant, especially to get that in Westlock,” he said. “I think it’s a huge win for that community, that’s a sizable amount of methamphetamine that not would have only impacted Westlock, but the surrounding communities as well.”
The seizure will also likely affect the amount of related property crimes associated with the drugs, he said.
The suspects were known to police and after a short joint investigation they were taken into custody without incident.
A court date has not been set.
