EDMONTON — A man and woman have been charged with drug trafficking after an investigation into a medicinal licensed marijuana grow-op in Strathcona County.
While executing two search warrants on March 11, a 198-plant marijuana grow-op was found at a rural home and 425 grams of suspected cocaine was found in an Edmonton storage locker.
Dustin William Warwa, 28, of Sherwood Park, is facing a total of 21 criminal charges, including nine counts of drug trafficking, three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of production of a controlled substance, and seven counts of living on the proceeds of crime.
At the time of Warwa’s arrest he had 23 grams of cocaine and a large sum of cash in his possession.
Mary Natasha Rickerd-Rousso, 26, of Sherwood Park, is facing three charges related to drugs, including possession for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of production of a controlled substance.
Although each individual possessed a valid medical marijuana licence to produce and posses marijuana, investigators believe the grow-op was fuelling the accused’s drug trafficking operation.
“This is an excellent example of the strong working relationship we have with ALERT and the Edmonton Police Service,” said Superintendent Gary Peck, the officer in charge of the Strathcona County RCMP.
“As drug rings become more sophisticated and multi-jurisdictional, the police will need to continue to work more in an integrated fashion.”
Warwa was released on $10,000 cash bail with numerous conditions. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 18 in Sherwood Park Provincial Court.
Rickerd-Rousso was released on $5,000 cash bail with numerous conditions. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 18 in Sherwood Park Provincial Court.
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