A call to Cochrane RCMP by a citizen concerned about vehicles doing doughnuts and stunting in the Cochrane Arena parking lot Aug. 7 resulted in a charge of possession of a controlled substance against a 22-year-old Cochrane resident.
Cochrane RCMP attended the scene and reported a strong odour of marijuana in the truck, which was parked when members arrived. A search of the truck turned up less than 30 milligrams of cannibis, leading to the arrest of one adult male occupant of the vehicle.
“Members used their discretion and determined the marijuana belonged to the driver,” Cochrane RCMP Constable Jennifer Brewer said.
The man, whose name cannot be released pending swearing of the charges, will appear in Cochrane Provincial Court Aug. 30. He was released on scene on a promise to appear in court on that date, Brewer said.
A new scam involving pre-paid gift cards is making the rounds in Cochrane, according to Brewer.
“We started hearing about it on (Aug. 7),” Brewer said. “I believe it was five (residents) that actually came forward. We were able to link some files to the same thing.”
RCMP is warning residents to show caution when responding to phone calls demanding payment of an outstanding debt. Collection and credit agencies will not demand payment in the form of gift cards.
According to Brewer, RCMP is also still receiving complaints about a scam involving the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The scam involves a resident receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the CRA. The caller tells the resident he or she owes back taxes as a result of an audit and a payment needs to be made immediately.
Residents are threatened with legal action if they don’t comply. Some residents are threatened with deportation if they fail to pay their back taxes.
RCMP recommends residents who receive one of these phone calls ask the caller for their agent number and then call the CRA directly to confirm the call is legitimate.
Brewer said if you believe you’ve received one of these calls, call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. Reports can also be filed online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
If you have any information about any crime, contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at tipsubmit.com
