Blood Tribe police make several arrests in opioid battle
A common-law couple has been arrested for drug-related offences on the Blood Reserve, which has declared a state of emergency following a spike in overdoses earlier this month.
Blood Tribe police have charged 40year-old Fernando Morning Owl with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime, while 35-year-old Olivia Bull Calf has been charged with drug possession.
During a search of the couple’s home, officers seized fentanyl and suboxone pills, as well as cash and cellphones.
The Blood Tribe declared a state of local emergency last week after dealing with at least 30 overdoses in the previous seven days, including one death.
Indigenous leaders said at the time they need more money from the federal and Alberta governments to pay for overtime and other costs.
The First Nation said it has received more than 200 naloxone kits and will hold training sessions this weekend on how to use them to prevent overdoses.
Cardston RCMP and the Blood Tribe Police Service crime reduction unit also seized suspected fentanyl pills from a residence in the town of Cardston earlier this month.
Two individuals, Chantelle Cecilia Daychief, 44, and Allan Blake Tail Feathers, 41, have been charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Daychief and Tailfeathers were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in Cardston provincial court Monday.
The RCMP and Blood Tribe police continue to work together to make the community safer, particularly in light of the increasing number of fentanyl-related overdoses on the Blood Reserve and in the surrounding communities. Police are also asking citizens for help by providing information they may have in relation to the illegal drug trade.
And in yet another drug-related case, the Blood Tribe Police Service crime reduction unit and members of the community policing division searched a residence in the Bull Horn area of the Blood reserve earlier this month where they seized 124 fentanyl pills, $795 cash, a drone and other electronics.
Patrick Devine, 39, has been charged for multiple offences, including drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
Devine was released on $1,000 bail, and is scheduled to appear in Cardston provincial court April 9.
Anyone with information about this matter or any other matter, is asked to contact the Blood Tribe Police Service at 403-737-3800 or the crime reduction unit at 403737-8808. Information can also be provided by email at oxy@bloodtribepolice.com; to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS); or by internet at
www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.