Charges laid in stolen property investigation

Coaldale/Picture Butte RCMP entered into a stolen property investigation on Feb. 19. As a result of the investigation on March 9, officers executed a search warrant at a Coaldale residence and recovered property believed to be part of their initial investigation.

In addition, a quantity of controlled substances were located and seized. A total of six people were arrested on scene and taken into custody.

A search of the residence recovered various tools, a replica firearm and a number of controlled substances including suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and psilocybin.

Michael Berg (37) and Frederick Stephen Lavell (52), both residents of Coaldale, were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2) and possession of a controlled substance (x2).

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Berg was released on conditions and Lavell was remanded into custody for Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on Thursday.

Scott Eugene Conine (41), a resident of Coaldale, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2), Possession of a controlled substance (x2) and breach of release order (x6).

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Conine was held in custody and will be appearing in Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on Thursday.

Three others were charged with the following and were released on an undertaking for Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on April 2

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2);

Possession of a controlled substance (x2.)

Coaldale/Picture Butte RCMP continue to investigate.