Drug trafficking investigation in Ponoka leads to multiple arrests

PONOKA -- RCMP arrested several suspects in connection with a recent drug trafficking investigation.

Mounties say the investigation began in September 2025 into an alleged drug trafficker operating out of a residence on 60 Avenue in Ponoka. In partnership between police units from both Ponoka and Wetaskiwin, a search warrant was executed at the property on Jan. 7, 2026. Prior to entering the residence, RCMP located a stolen vehicle outside the residence.

"This vehicle was tactically stopped, and ultimately it led to the arrests of four occupants in that vehicle," said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. "During a search of that vehicle, we ended up seizing 22 grams of methamphetamine, small amounts of cocaine, a 12-gauge shotgun, a rifle, ammunition, and cash." 

The driver of the vehicle -- 33-year-old Richard Soosay of Maskwacis -- is now facing multiple charges, including unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and three counts of weapons possession contrary to order. The other three occupants of the vehicle currently have charges pending and were released with appearance notices.

Following these initial arrests RCMP then executed the search warrant upon the residence. There they recovered 89 grams of fentanyl, 95 grams of meth, and cash. As a result, 44-year-old Ponoka resident Erica Foley was taken into custody and charged with the following offences:

• Trafficking a controlled substance (x5);
• Possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5000;
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (x2).

"This successful operation coordinated between Ponoka and Wetaskiwin RCMP Units demonstrates the effective interoperability of our detachments," said Cpl. John Learn of the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit. "The removal of these crime guns and drugs can have an immediate positive impact on our communities."

Foley was held for a JIR hearing and released, with future court dates scheduled at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.