Firearms, drugs, and cash seized in Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray… One suspect has been arrested following an ALERT investigation in Fort McMurray. More than $65,000 in drugs and cash was seized alongside three firearms.

ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime team seized more than half a kilogram of cocaine, along with 40 illicit prescription pills, and $13,000 cash from a home in the Wood Buffalo neighbourhood. Wood Buffalo RCMP helped with the search warrant, which took place on January 18, 2024.

Along with the drugs, ALERT seized three firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. One of the firearms, a loaded handgun, had been previously reported stolen from Bruderheim, Alta. Two prohibited, over-capacity magazines were also seized.

None of the firearms were lawfully possessed and will be subject to further analysis by the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.

“Drugs and firearms are always a dangerous mix. We’re relieved to take these out of the wrong hands and any day you can take a firearm of the streets, or recover a stolen firearm, is a good day,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wait, ALERT Fort McMurray.

Catlin Moores, 38, has been charged with a total of 25 criminal offences, including:

• Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order;
• Numerous firearms-related offences.

Moores remains in custody. A bail hearing has been scheduled for February 27, 2024.

ALERT’s investigation began in the fall of 2023 in response to drug trafficking activity taking place in the community.

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.