Whitecourt RCMP lay charges following ongoing drug investigation

Nine people have been charged following a drug bust in Whitecourt.

RCMP said they made the arrests during an ongoing investigation into illicit street drug distribution in the town.

The investigation included a search of a home in Mayerthorpe.

Officials said the goal was to send a message to those involved in crime in the area.

They added that various amounts of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin were seized.

Chayde Wayne Gour has been charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Amber Renae Williams has been charged with three counts of trafficking methamphetamine.

Joanne Louise Henke has been charged with four counts of trafficking cocaine, four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Steven James Stewart has been charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Tammy Tracy Primeau, Blaise Fernand Ollenberg and Stephen Roderick Pond have been charged with one count each of drug trafficking.

Derek Paul Primeau has been charged with three counts of trafficking.

Jennifer Laurette Druar has been charged with two counts of trafficking along with possession of the purpose of trafficking.

Several other charges including court document breaches were also laid.

Whitecourt is located about 177 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.