In March 2026, Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) initiated a drug trafficking investigation. During the extensive investigation spanning over several months, police identified two suspects & multiple locations of interest.
On Sept. 10, 2026, the investigation culminated when police executed seven search warrants simultaneously across central Alberta, including Red Deer, Innisfail, Airdrie & a rural area north of Sundre. The searches targeted three private residences, a business, two camper trailers & a motor vehicle.
As a result of the operation, police seized over 6kg of Cocaine, over $280,000 of cash currency, over 1.4kg of psilocybin mushrooms, over 600g of methamphetamine, an ‘uzi’ style sub-machine gun, three handguns, ammunition, and other items consistent with drug trafficking.
“This investigation required collaboration between various RCMP Units & Detachments.” Said Cst. Nichole Fortin with Red Deer RCMP GIS “These seizures removed significant quantities of dangerous substances from our communities which demonstrate our commitment to attacking drug trafficking and organized crime in our neighbourhoods.”
As a result of the investigation, two suspects have been arrested & charged.
Rory Brand, a 37-year-old resident of Airdrie, has been charged with the following:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2);
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000;
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized (x3);
- Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition (x2);
- Possession of a weapon obtained by crime;
- Tamper with serial number of a firearm.
Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing (JIR), Brand was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Oct. 1, 2026.
Robert Newell, a 43-year-old resident of Red Deer, has been charged with the following:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000.
Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing (JIR), Newell was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Oct. 1, 2026.
“This investigation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs, cash, and firearms that would otherwise have been distributed throughout our communities,” said Insp. Jeff McBeth with the Red Deer RCMP. “Thanks to the dedication of our investigators and the collaborative efforts of our policing partners, we were able to disrupt organized criminal activity, remove dangerous drugs and firearms from circulation, and help keep our communities safe.”
The Red Deer RCMP would like to acknowledge their partnering units & agencies including Red Deer Police Dog Service (PDS), Red Deer Downtown Patrol Unit (DPU), RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Airdrie RCMP, Innisfail RCMP, and Sundre RCMP.
If you have any information regarding crime in Red Deer, please contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
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