CTA leads to crack down on drugs for Woodland Cree

The third search warrant in less than two months was executed in Cadotte Lake and resulted in the seizure of liquor and cannabis-marihuana. One person was arrested and charges are pending on the Aug. 9 bust. Targeting the illicit sale of alcohol in Woodland Cree First Nation has been a strategic priority for Chief and Council as well as the community consultative group.  The success of this investigation was the direct result of cooperation from community members as well as local liquor stores, who are committed to safe communities. On June 18, two people were arrested and charged after the  Peace Regional RCMP detachment recovered 82 bottles of liquor, which would sell for about $1,250, from a Cadotte Lake residence. On Aug. 5, similar charges against one person were laid in a separate investigation. Woodland is one of 12 Alberta First Nations to sign into a Community Tripartite Agreement - the provincial and federal governments collaborate with the specific First Nations community to have dedicated RCMP members address needs specific to their assigned area. The cost of the CTA is covered almost equally by the federal and provincial governments. The Woodland Cree First Nation has set as its focus positive youth involvement with the RCMP; substance abuse; and traffic safety for pedestrians and cracking down on impaired driving.