It was a busy February for the Grande Prairie RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit, making numerous drug-related arrests throughout the month.
February 3rd
It all kicked off on February 3rd when CRU members observed a drug exchange involving an individual who is known by police, while on an unrelated call. Law enforcement says the individual was arrested twice in October for similar offences; however, he was released both times.
During their investigation, CRU members seized 36 grams of fentanyl and arrested 36-year-old Grande Prairie resident Richard Dennis Foss, who now faces several charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and four counts of failure to comply with release orders. He remains in custody with a court date set for December 2nd, 2025.
February 19th
Later in the month on February 19th, CRU members conducted a traffic stop in the Grande Prairie area, which resulted in the arrest of three. A search of the vehicle and those inside revealed 95 grams of cocaine, 126 oxycodone pills, more than $1,500 in cash, and unstamped tobacco products.
As a result of their investigation, 50-year-old Jody Ellen Gilliot and 30-year-old Chace Robert Martin from Grande Prairie, along with 23-year-old Clairmont local Chantel Elizabeth Moulton were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, and oxy, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of unstamped tobacco.
All three were released on conditions and are scheduled to appear in court on June 4th.
February 20th
The next day, on February 20th, members of the Crime Reduction Unit conducted a traffic stop, where the stopped vehicle fled the scene. The vehicle was located by CRU members who arrested the driver. A search of the vehicle revealed 86 grams of methamphetamines and five grams of fentanyl.
Now, 44-year-old Peace River resident Rosanna Vivian Carifelle was charged with possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking, a similar charge for fentanyl, dangerous driving, flight from Peace Officer, and two counts of failing to comply with release orders.
She was brought before a justice of the peace and remains in police custody with a court date set for April 7th.
February 27th
Before the month was up, CRU members managed to sneak in one more significant bust during a traffic stop that resulted in three arrests.
On February 27th, CRU members conducted a traffic stop in the Grande Prairie area. A search of the vehicle and the three occupants revealed a handgun, which was later revealed to have been stolen during a break and enter, extra ammunition, 13 grams of fentanyl, 33 grams of cocaine, and 33 grams of methamphetamines.
As a result of their investigation, 41-year-old Kenneth Shea from Crooked Creek, and 54-year-old Richard Trautman from Grande Prairie were charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficikng, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and six firearms-related offences. 41-year-old Grande Prairie resident Ricky Howard Vance faces the same charges, along with another for failing to comply with a release order.
All three were initially kept in custody following their hearings; however, Shea and Trautman have been released. The trio is set to appear in court again on April 9th.
Looking back
Grande Prairie RCMP Staff Sergeant Groenen spoke on the arrests, saying they not only mean fewer drugs on the city’s streets but also directly affect public safety as a whole.
“To say there’s a direct association to violence and the drug trade is quite fair, we see a lot of fallout crime associated with drug use and drug trafficking,” he says. “We do see home invasions, assaults, and robberies in this area as a result of drugs and drug trafficking, those are violent offenses.”
“Grande Prairie RCMP CRU believes in our mission to help our community and we do so by ensuring that drugs such as Fentanyl are removed from our streets.”
The Staff Sergeant also took a moment to thank the CRU for their ongoing hard work and dedication in keeping the community safe.
