Alberta
Springbrook man charged in meth, fentanyl, and cocaine bust
Submitted by Red Deer RCMP
Alberta RCMP charge three men in drug trafficking investigation
A joint operation between the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit and Red Deer RCMP’s General Investigative Section has resulted in charges laid against three men for drug trafficking in the Calgary and Red Deer area.
As a result of this drug investigation, RCMP seized:
- 2.1 kg of methamphetamine
- 1.3 kg of fentanyl
- 238.2 grams of cocaine
- $10,000 cash
Brandon Schnell, 39, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
- Trafficking in Substance contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (x6);
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code (x2).
Kevin Gallagher, 38, a resident of Springbrook, was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Substance contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (x6);
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code (x4); and,
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime contrary to section 355.2 of the Criminal Code (x2).
Gallagher is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on Dec. 1, 2022.
A 26-year-old resident of Calgary was previously arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose Trafficking contrary to section 5(1) of theControlled Drugs and Substances Act (x3); and,
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000 contrary to section 355(a) of the Criminal Code.
That individual appeared in Calgary Provincial Court on Oct. 26, 2022.
“This investigation exemplifies the importance of strong working relationships between the Federal Policing Program and the many RCMP detachments in Alberta. This joint operation disrupted a drug trafficking operation and targeted individuals that would have caused greater harm to our communities.”
– S/Sgt. Kent Dahl, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime
“Through excellent investigational work and effective interagency collaboration, this drug trafficking network was disrupted and dangerous drugs were prevented from entering a number of Alberta communities. We are very proud of the work of both our GIS team and of those in FSOC.”
– Insp. Heidi Ravenhill, Red Deer RCMP
Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.
The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.
Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.
Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.
“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”
“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”
Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.
“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”
Quick facts
- The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.
Related news
- Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2024)
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