Former Edmonton-based soldier charged with drug trafficking

EDMONTON – Mathieu Leblond, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, was charged with several drug-related offences on Monday.

Leblond is a former member of 1 Service Battalion, CFB Edmonton.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) National Drug Enforcement Team.

Leblond has been charged with: one count of trafficking a controlled substance; one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; two counts of possession of a controlled substance; and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon.

“This incident confirms the commitment of the military police to support the Canadian Armed Forces, and our local communities, by providing a safe and drug-free environment in which to live and work,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Brian Frei, Commanding Officer of the CFNIS. “It also sends a clear message that illicit drug use will not be tolerated in the Canadian Armed Forces.”

The case will now proceed through the military justice system.