Drugs, Guns, Body Armour Seized in Northern Alberta

Grande Prairie… An investigation between ALERT and Peace River RCMP has resulted in the seizure of 12 firearms, body armour, and roughly $200,000 worth of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

ALERT Grande Prairie’s organized crime and gang team wrapped up the investigation on May 31, 2019 after a search warrant was executed at a rural property in Peace River, Alta. Seven suspects were arrested during the course of the investigation. Peace River RCMP and Grande Prairie RCMP provided assistance.

“ALERT’s investigation has been ongoing for six months, and the payoff is a substantial win for public safety. A seizure of this many drugs and guns will undoubtedly have a regional impact,” said Cpl. James Ries, ALERT Grande Prairie.

ALERT seized a variety of drugs, including a quantity of unknown substances that require further testing. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $190,000:

• 1 kilogram of cocaine;
• 234 grams of methamphetamine;
• 223 grams of fentanyl;
• 3.75 litres of GHB;
• numerous illicit prescription tablets; and
• $8,905 cash.

ALERT also seized seven handguns, three rifles, two shotguns, three sets of body armour, and a large amount of ammunition. Of the 12 firearms seized, four were previously reported stolen, and two of the handguns also had their serial numbers defaced.

A total of seven people have been arrested. Together, they face 176 criminal offences related to drugs and firearms:

• Bradley Morency, 38;
• Richard Zeluf, 35;
• Shauna Pope, 35;
• Alvin Machholz, 49;
• Rhonda Braun, 46;
• Sheldon Lambert, 41; and
• Cheyanne Geissler, 18.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.