RED DEER COUNTY – Three Slave Lake men are facing multiple drug charges in connection to suspicious activity at the Bowden Institution in 2019.
Cpl. Susan Richter, a spokesperson with the Alberta RCMP media relations group, said in a news release issued today (July 22) the charges were also laid following an 18-month long investigation.
Richter said in November of 2019 Bowden Institution staff responded to suspicious activity on Correctional Service Canada’s property.
She said a search was conducted that resulted in locating contraband that had been concealed on the property.
Richter said the contraband packages contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, cannabis concentrates and tobacco.
Innisfail RCMP General Investigation Section worked on the lengthy investigation in partnership with the Bowden Institution’s Security Intelligence Office and Slave Lake RCMP General Investigation Section, she said.
Raymond Foss, 32, Braden Foster, 31 and Joshua Laboucan, 23, all of Slave Lake, have been charged with:
• two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• distributing cannabis, contrary to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, and
• trespassing by night
Foss and Foster were arrested and after a judicial release hearing, were remanded into custody. After a subsequent bail hearing, Foss was released. Foss and Foster’s next court appearances are both scheduled for Aug. 19 in Red Deer provincial court.
Laboucan remains at large with outstanding warrants for his arrest.
Innisfail RCMP is encouraging the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. If any citizen sees a crime in progress, they are asked to dial 911. If citizens wish to remain anonymous, they can contact 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.
