Teen charged in connection with overdose deaths on Tsuut’ina Nation

Calgary police say a 17-year-old has been charged following two fatal overdoses on the neighbouring Tsuut’ina Nation earlier this summer, an incident that has renewed concerns about youth involvement in the province’s illicit drug trade. Investigators allege the teen had been selling cocaine, including during school lunch hours.

Officers executed a search warrant at a Calgary residence as part of the investigation. Police say they seized several items, including cellphones, cash, digital scales, bear spray and quantities of cocaine and methamphetamines.

Authorities note that Alberta continues to face rising numbers of opioid-related deaths, with Indigenous communities disproportionately affected. Calgary police say collaboration with Tsuut’ina Nation officers has been central to addressing cross-jurisdiction trafficking.

The teen is facing multiple charges, including eight counts related to trafficking controlled substances. Because the accused is a youth, police say no identifying information will be released.