In March 2021, the St. Albert Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) began a weapon trafficking investigation into a suspect that resided just west of St. Albert in Sturgeon County. The investigation lead investigators to believe a female at the residence was participating in purchasing firearms with a valid possession and accusation licence (PAL) and was then transferring the firearms to known criminals. This is commonly referred to as a "Straw Buyer." The investigation also revealed that several prolific and violent offenders were on court ordered conditions to reside at the residence in question with the suspected female involved in firearms trafficking.
On May 19, 2021, St. Albert CRU executed warrants obtained at the residence west of the city. Due to the police history of the occupants of the residence and the believed presence of firearms, K Division North Emergency Response Team (ERT) assisted with the execution of the warrants along with St. Albert General Investigative Section (GIS), St. Albert Drug Unit, St. Albert Traffic Unit and Morinville RCMP.
The search of the residence located the following items, which were seized:
- A loaded 9 mm pistol with the serial number removed
- A loaded 22 calibre rifle
- An unloaded 12-gauge shotgun
- A Taser disguised as a flashlight
- A collapsible baton
- Brass knuckles
- Three cans of bear spray
- Methamphetamine
- cocaine
A 36-year-old female of Sturgeon County was arrested and charged with the following:
- Weapon Trafficking
- Careless Storage of Firearms
- Tampering with Serial Number on a Firearm
- Possession of Prohibited Weapons
- Possession of Stolen Property under $ 5000.00
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose.
The 36-year-old female was held for a Judicial Interim Hearing and was released by a Justice of the Peace. Her next court date is June 24, 2021, in Morinville Provincial Court.