A Hinton RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) investigation has resulted in multiple drug trafficking, firearms, weapons, and property crime charges against two Hinton residents.

In April 2026, Hinton GIS initiated an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activities occurring within the community. On May 29, 2026, with the assistance of Hinton Detachment frontline members and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Hinton.

The search resulted in the seizure of the following:

• Approximately 400 grams of suspected fentanyl

• 32 grams of suspected methamphetamine

• 459 millilitres of suspected gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

• A firearm, ammunition and prohibited weapons

• Canadian currency and items consistent with drug trafficking

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Investigators also recovered property believed to have been obtained through criminal activity.

Peanka Langille (62), a resident of Hinton, has been charged with multiple offences, including:

• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of GHB for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of prohibited weapons;

• Unsafe storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm with an altered or defaced serial number;

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and

• Possession of property obtained by crime.

Lawrence Paquette (54), a resident of Hinton, has been charged with multiple offences, including:

• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of GHB for the purpose of trafficking;

• Possession of prohibited weapons;

• Unsafe storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm with an altered or defaced serial number;

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;

• Possession of property obtained by crime; and

• Multiple offences relating to the possession of firearms and ammunition while prohibited by court order.

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Hinton on July 15, 2026.

Staff Sergeant Mark Hall, Detachment Commander, Hinton RCMP, states, “This investigation led to the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected fentanyl, along with other illicit drugs, firearms, prohibited weapons and stolen property. The work conducted by our GIS investigators, supported by frontline officers and Police Dog Services, has removed dangerous substances and weapons from our community and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to community safety.”