3 suspects facing drug trafficking, firearms charges in Sylvan Lake
Posted May 13, 2025 2:02 pm.
Last Updated May 13, 2025 5:38 pm.
Police have arrested three people and charged them with several drug trafficking and weapons-related offences in connection with an investigation in Sylvan Lake, just west of Red Deer.
RCMP say a brief investigation into firearms led to a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving a home on Falcon Crescent in Sylvan Lake on April 17.
Two people were arrested, and police say a search of one of the suspects led to the seizure of cocaine and cash. The vehicle was towed pending a search warrant.
During a search of the home on Falcon Crescent, police say they seized several loaded weapons, one kilo of ketamine and $12,990 in cash.
“In investigations like this, with the amount of controlled substances that were seized, it wouldn’t just be remaining in Sylvan Lake,” said Staff Sergeant Jay Peden, the detachment commander of Sylvan Lake RCMP.
The following day, a search of the vehicle led to the seizure of another handgun and cocaine.
“This is terrifying to know that it’s in your community. I don’t think this is the world that most of us that live here live in, and we’re just not always aware,” said Megan Hanson, the Mayor of Sylvan Lake.
“This isn’t what we hear of every day. This is a community that is really known for being great to families, and a great place to grow your family and to be supported by the community. This isn’t the Sylvan Lake that most of us know, but it certainly is a reality, and I’m glad we have the RCMP here.”
RCMP have described the case as significant because of how close it was to nearby schools, in a community that doesn’t often see busts like this one.
“This is a significant seizure, but this is a rarity for Sylvan Lake,” said Peden.
Sylvan Lake residents Jesse Bergstrom and Katie Leanne Cameron are facing multiple charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking and weapon/firearms offences.
Mounties charged and later arrested Samantha Elizabeth Lind with possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a controlled substance; and firearms offences.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
