From Blackfalds RCMP

Blackfalds RCMP execute search warrant seizing drugs and guns

Blackfalds, Alta. – In September of 2024 the Blackfalds RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) with assistance from Sylvan Lake GIS  entered into an investigation involving an individual believed to be trafficking drugs in the community. As a result of the investigation, on Oct. 2, 2024, Blackfalds RCMP with assistance from Innisfail RCMP GIS and Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Service executed a search warrant at a home in Blackfalds.

As a result of the search RCMP seized:

• 253 grams of Cocaine
• $3343 in Currency
• 6 firearms

RCMP have arrested and charged Blackfalds resident, Lotus Joan Silver Stalteri-Roberts (25), with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of stolen property under $5000;
• Weapons offences (x8).

Stalteri-Roberts was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with her next court date set for Oct. 3, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

“This investigation saw the effective coordination of different RCMP Detachments and Sections to quickly and safely remove these drugs and guns from our community,” says Staff Sergeant Andrew Allan.

If you have any information about this investigation or about drug trafficking in the Blackfalds area please contact Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3333 or submit an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

A local student is looking forward to making a difference with the provincial government as part of the Minister’s Youth Council.

Fahd Mohamed, a Grade 12 student at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, has been accepted for a second school year to the program, which includes about 40 students from across the province with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives.

“We meet three times a year with the first and last meeting taking place in Edmonton, and the second meeting taking place over Zoom,” said Fahd. “Over the weekend we work with the Minister (of Education) for legislation, we have a First Nations and Metis representative come in, we listen to lectures about public speaking and policy making, and other topics.”

The students take part in a number of engagement initiatives that empower them as leaders of their learning; provide opportunities to build positive working relationships with education partners; engage as leaders of change in their communities; support leadership development; and honour their capability and capacity to engage as authentic education partners.

“Throughout the day, we go into groups and have various discussions. The Minister’s members’ goal was to gather as much information as they can over the weekend, and develop an idea that we would talk with the Minister face-to-face about on the last day,” said Fahd. “The Minister hears our ideas, writes them down, and then proposes them to his higher ups.”

One of the topics the Minister’s Youth Council discussed last year was restricting cell phone and social media use in schools. “Our input had some influence on the current cell phone policy,” said Fahd. “So that is really cool to see.”

Last year, Fahd also got a tour of the Legislature, including the Minister of Education’s office.

“It’s very nice to see a very professional and high viewpoint about Canada. It’s not every day that you get to talk face to face with an MLA, a Minister or a Prime Minister,” he said.

Looking ahead to this year, Fahd said he is looking forward to putting himself out there more and expressing his thoughts and ideas.

“Everyone has something to offer. Because I am in a bigger city, I might not have the same opinions as someone coming from a smaller city who does not have the same opportunities. But there might be things that I miss about a smaller city that has things that we don’t,” said Fahd. “It’s an experience that is very rewarding. You start to feel like you have great ideas and a voice. Everyone can do things to help the province. More people should apply for programs like this. You get to influence something bigger than you.