Charges laid after drones allegedly used to deliver drugs to Alberta prison
![Drumheller drone Eckville search items seized RCMP display items seized during the search of a home in Eckville, Alta. on March 15, 2024. (RCMP handout)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/4/11/drumheller-drone-eckville-search-items-seized-1-6843703-1712875749060.jpg)
Charges have been laid in connection to an operation that allegedly saw drones used to supply inmates at Alberta's Drumheller Institution with phones and drugs.
Mounties dismantled the operation in May of 2023, leading to the seizure of what RCMP said was a "large amount of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl."
RCMP identified two suspects, including one inmate, and searched a home in Eckville, Alta., on March 15, seizing the following:
- 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.
Ashley Maki, 39, of Eckville, and John Andrews, 32, currently incarcerated at the Drumheller Institution, have been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of proceeds of crime.
Maki is also charged, along with Dayton Chassie, 19, of Eckville, with several drug and weapons-related charges.
Maki is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.
A warrant has been issued for Chassie's arrest.
Andrews remains incarcerated and is awaiting a court date.
"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 Thursday news release.
"This is yet another example of numerous RCMP units and our valued partners working together to ensure safe and secure communities."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.