Guns and drugs seized in July 10 raid in Barrhead

BARRHEAD - A Barrhead man faces several drug and weapons charges following the execution of a search warrant that saw RCMP seize more than 200 grams of meth and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.

Barrhead RCMP Sgt. Bob Dodds said police executed the search warrant on the evening of July 10 in the neighbourhood of 55th Avenue near 45th Street. 

"This is someone we've been kicking like an old can for several years," he said, adding the individual has served a lot of jail time in connection with previous offences.

Dodds noted that at the time of his arrest, the accused was already on conditions awaiting trial for a litany of charges in connection with a series of ATM thefts going back to 2019. 

The operation began at about 8:40 p.m. Once the police had secured the area, the RCMP issued a BARCC (Barrhead and Area Regional Crime Coalition) alert roughly 20 minutes later stating that a police operation was taking place in the area and that was no threat to the public.

As part of the search, Dodds said police seized five weapons, including a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, three long guns and a Glock handgun. He also noted that they found and confiscated a 3D printer and assorted replicated parts for a Glock handgun and that one of the long guns they found had a mix of original and 3D replicated parts.

Police also seized 210 grams of methamphetamine, 35 grams of cocaine, 14.7 grams of what is suspected to be fentanyl and 18 grams of psilocybin, more commonly known as magic mushrooms, as well as 1,800 cigarettes that were missing the tax label.

"It was a good team effort put together entirely of local members (other than a police dog and handler) that executed the search warrant and subsequent search and arrest. I'm proud of our members and the work they did. Repeat offenders who are actively selling drugs and guns present a real danger to the community," he said, noting the accussed surrendered without incident. "We are pleased to have these dangerous items from those that can do harm."

Dodds noted that although all the drugs police confiscated are dangerous and he is glad that they are all out of circulation, he is especially pleased that they were able to ensure the fentanyl did not hit the streets.

Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid pain reliever. Medically it is most often used in a hospital setting for the treatment of severe pain.

In non-medical situations, you will experience a quick rush of well-being or euphoria when fentanyl is injected, smoked, snorted or ingested in high doses. Euphoria is followed by a period of calm lasting one to two hours. It is also potentially deadly.

"The quantity we seized is potentially deadly to dozens and dozens of people," he said.

Dodds noted the successful execution of the search warrant was the result of several weeks if not months of investigation.

"We identified this person months ago as being active in the drug trade. Then it is a matter of talking to people, keeping a watch of what is going on," he said, adding the investigation started to take shape in early July.

Lorne Kyle Jack Harris, 35, has been charged with possession for the trafficking in a controlled substance, two counts of weapons trafficking, along with nine other weapons offences; possession of a controlled substance; four counts of failing to comply with release conditions and one charge possessing stolen property. He will remain in custody until his first court date July 20.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com