ATHABASCA – Two Athabasca men were arrested for drugs and weapons offences after RCMP executed search warrants at two separate residences July 28.
Athabasca RCMP teamed up with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), the Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, and the Boyle and Wabasca-Desmarais RCMP detachments to conduct two search warrants, one in the Town of Athabasca, one in Athabasca County, where they found drugs and weapons.
Athabasca RCMP S/Sgt. Mark Hall said a months-long investigation led to the seizure of a significant amount of drugs, along with weapons and proceeds of crime which included 448 grams of cocaine, worth approximately $66,800; two kilograms of cannabis; a stolen Glock 9mm; a conducted energy weapon; and $22,000 cash.
A 45-year-pld man from Athabasca was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; possession of illegal cannabis; and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
He was released from custody, but the charges have not been sworn as of Friday afternoon, July 29, and so his name has not been released. He is scheduled to appear in Athabasca Provincial Court Sept. 26.
The other man, Robert Harrison, 37, of Athabasca, was arrested and charged with one count each of unauthorized possession of a firearm; careless storage of a firearm; possession of a restricted weapon; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Following a judicial interim release hearing, Harrison was released and is scheduled to appear in Athabasca Provincial Court Aug. 22.
RCMP always encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to local police, as reports help establish patrols, who to look for and where. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
