An investigation into drug trafficking in the Lakeland area led to the arrest of three people after search warrants were executed on Jan. 22.
The investigation, which began in mid-2024, involved multiple police agencies, including Cold Lake General Investigations Section (GIS), the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), and RCMP units from across the region.
According to police, investigators uncovered a large illegal drug network stretching from Cold Lake to St. Paul. Furthermore, this led to two search warrants being executed, one in the Town of St. Paul and another in the County of St. Paul.
During the searches, authorities discovered:
- 620 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 464 grams of suspected cocaine
- a large quantities of prescription pills.
- They also seized over 1,000 grams of illegal cannabis
- more than $10,000 in Canadian currency
- four firearms
- body armor
- other items linked to the drug trade.
Additionally, police found stolen property, including two snowmobiles and a trailer.
Three individuals were arrested: Ignatius Rumbolt, 73, of St. Paul, Thomas Hinch, 40, of Stettler, and Shyanna Mills, 21, of Drumheller.
Rumbolt was charged with several offenses, including possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of a restricted firearm. He was denied bail and will appear in court on Jan. 30.
Hinch faces charges of trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was released with conditions and is set to appear in court on Feb. 6.
Mills was also charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking, along with unauthorized possession and careless storage of a firearm. Additionally, she remains in custody and will appear in court on Jan. 30.
Meanwhile, Cpl. Ben Burgess of Cold Lake GIS emphasized the importance of teamwork in the investigation.
“Cooperation between police agencies, units, and detachments was essential in the successful conclusion of this investigation. Drug trafficking networks have no borders and require a collaborative effort to disrupt and dismantle. It is believed that these drug seizures will have a significant effect on the Town of St. Paul and the entire Lakeland area.”
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