Guns and drugs seized in Red Deer bust

Red Deer, Alta. – A joint forces investigation in Red Deer has resulted in the seizure of a large amount of drugs and 15 firearms, and 60 charges against five suspected drug dealers.

The arrests and seizure were part of a collaboration between Red Deer RCMP and ALERT Red Deer’s organized crime and gang team. The agencies conducted two parallel investigations in response to drug trafficking activity in Red Deer and surrounding communities.

The investigations began in August 2020 and culminated with search warrants being executed on Jan. 27 of this year. A total of four Red Deer homes were searched.

“Our collaboration with ALERT on investigations of this nature are critical in targeting the illicit drug trade. This is a top priority of the Red Deer RCMP to reduce crime and keep our citizens safe”.

Sgt. Glanville, Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Sections

“The drug trade is inherently violent and impacts all communities. ALERT’s partnership with Red Deer RCMP has once again proven itself effective at taking guns off the street and out of the hands of criminals.”

Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams

Combined, both investigations seized nearly $90,000 worth of drugs and cash, including:

• 593 grams of methamphetamine;
• 152 grams of fentanyl;
• 69 grams of cocaine;
• 1,416 millilitres of GHB;
• 28 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 65 illicit prescription pills; and
• $10,865 cash.

Fifteen firearms were seized, including five rifles, five handguns, three shotguns, and two homemade zip guns. The homemade guns will be sent to RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team for forensic analysis and ballistics testing.

Five people are facing charges related to drug and firearms offences. Two people have been arrested thus far:

• David Clarke, a 40-year-old man from Red Deer; and
• Kelly Mason, a 32-year-old woman from Red Deer.

Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued for three suspects:

• Eric Becker, a 32-year-old man from Red Deer;
• Amanda Quick, a 32-year-old woman from Red Deer; and
• Nicole Lamarsh, a 35-year-old woman from Red Deer.