A Calgary man charged in connection with a 2025 drug trafficking investigation by Cochrane Mounties has been convicted and sentenced.
On Feb. 13, 58-year-old Randall Arsenault was convicted in court on some of his charges. He received a sentence of 729 days in closed custody and a lifetime firearms prohibition.
The charges stemmed from an investigation launched in early October 2025 after Cochrane RCMP responded to a suspected overdose death in the Mînî Thnî area of the Stoney Nakoda Nations. Cochrane RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit worked alongside the Calgary Police Service, including its Gang Suppression Team, to identify the potential source of the drugs involved.
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Arsenault was arrested in Calgary on Oct. 29, 2025. At the time of his arrest, officers seized approximately 69.5 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine. He was charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
During the arrest in October, officers seized about 69.5 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine.Photo/Cochrane RCMP
Investigators previously said they could not confirm whether the drugs seized were directly connected to the suspected overdose death, but noted the case highlighted the serious risks associated with the illegal drug trade.
Cochrane RCMP say the conviction underscores their ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
“Cochrane RCMP remains committed to supporting the safety of all communities we serve, including the Stoney Nakoda Nations,” said S/Sgt. Chad Fournier, Acting Officer-in-Charge of the Cochrane Detachment. “We will continue to target those involved in drug trafficking and work proactively to reduce the presence of fentanyl in our area. This outcome demonstrates the importance of strong policing partnerships, and we thank the Calgary Police Service for their assistance in bringing this investigation to a conclusion.”