Chestermere, Alberta – On 2012-02-03 at around 1:30 p.m. members of the Rockyview-Chestermere Fire Station #59 responded to a fire alarm at a residence along the 600 block of East Chestermere Drive, Chestermere, Alberta.  Chestermere RCMP members also responded to assist. The fire alarm was called in by an occupant of the residence. It was determined the fire alarm was due to a water spill on to the main electrical panel.  The fire fighters entered the residence and cleared it for any other occupants or potential hazzards. While inside this residence the fire fighters reported a strong smell of marihuana coming from the basement. This information was passed on to the Chestermere RCMP members on scene.

The Chestermere RCMP members also smelled the strong odor of marihuana from outside of the residence forming reasonable and probable grounds to arrest the two female occupants of the property at the time.

While performing scene security, pending the completion of the search warrant, a 46 year old male occupant of the residence came home and was also arrested outside. This male admitted to the police that there was marihuana inside the residence and it was his.

Judicial authorization was sought from the Calgary Justice of the Peace Hearing Office to authorize the search and seizure under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) of this residence. At 8:40 p.m. (approx.) on February 3, 2012 members of the Chestermere RCMP Detachment executed this search warrant.  No other persons were located inside the residence. Found and seized from inside the residence was approximately a pound of cannabis marihuana and small amounts of hash and hash oil. There were no indications to reveal the residence was used for a marihuana grow operation.

The 46 year old male will be charged for possession of marihuana Contrary to Section 4(1) CDSA and has been released from custody for a Strathmore Provincial Court.  Both female occupants were released from custody with no charges to be laid at this time.

The Chestermere RCMP recognize this drug seizure occurred mainly as a result of the close working relationships forged with our local fire service.

If anyone has any information in this crime or any other please contact the Chestermere RCMP at (403) 204-8777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the internet at www.tipsubmit.com. Crime stoppers will pay cash rewards up to $2000.00 for information that leads to an arrest, the recovery of stolen property or seizure of illegal drugs. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous.