Charges Laid after Drone Drug Trafficking to Alberta Prison

Charges have been laid following a drone drug trafficking to a prison yard in Alberta’s Drumheller Institution.

According to RCMP, the prison drug trafficking operation at the prison was dismantled in May 0f 2023, leading the seizure of a large amount of drugs. The Drumheller Institution is a medium and minimum security facility located in the southeast of the central Alberta town with a 700 inmate capacity.

Following investigation and the search of a home in Eckville on March 15, police seized 1.3 kilograms of cocaine; 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine; 2.1 grams of fentanyl; Canadian currency and a money counter; two prohibited weapons; two drones; cellphones and a loaded shotgun.

RCMP charged 39-year-old Ashley Maki, of Eckville, and John Andrews, 32, currently incarcerated at the Drumheller Institution, have been charged with conspiracy to commit an indicatable offence and possession of proceeds of crime.

Additionally, Maki is charged alongside Dayton Chassie, 19, of Eckville, with several drug and weapons-related charges. Maki was released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.

Andrews remains incarcerated and RCMP said he is still waiting for a court date. A warrant has been issued for Chassie’s arrest.

“This was a lengthy and meticulous investigation resulting in the removal of illicit and harmful drugs and weapons from our communities”, said Staff Sgt. Robert Harms in a news release.

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