Firearms Arsenal Seized from Whitecourt Cocaine Dealers

Edmonton… Twenty-two firearms were seized from a group of suspected cocaine dealers operating in the Whitecourt area. Four people were arrested and face a combined 122 charges related to drugs and guns.

ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime and gang team worked with Whitecourt RCMP to conduct the two-month investigation that concluded on March 14, 2017. Search warrants were carried out at a Whitecourt home and a rural residence in Woodland County.

More than $30,000 worth of drugs was seized alongside the firearms. ALERT seized three handguns, three shotguns, and 16 rifles, while none of the firearms were lawfully possessed. ALERT alleges that in at least three instances firearms were lawfully acquired before being diverted into the hands of suspected criminals.

“This investigation and outcome is a great example of how ALERT works collaboratively with the Whitecourt RCMP Detachment to address serious crime issues. Our community appreciates and values the work that ALERT does throughout our province and within our community to keep our residents safe,” said Whitecourt Mayor Maryann Chichak.

The following items were seized:

• Three loaded handguns;
• Three shotguns;
• 16 rifles;
• 310 grams of cocaine;
• 77 Percocet pills;
• 119 methadone pills;
• Cocaine press;
• $8,580 cash proceeds of crime;

Four people were arrested. They face a total of 122 charges related to drug and weapons offences, including firearms trafficking charges:

• Jeffrey Smith, 30-year-old man from Whitecourt, is charged with 29 offences;
• Clayton Taylor, a 23-year-old man from Woodland County, is charged with 45 offences;
• Alyssa Leakvold, 25-year-old woman from Woodland County, is charged with 45 offences;
• Dustin Jennings, 24-year-old man from Fort Assiniboine, is charged with three instances of firearms trafficking.

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 Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.