Handgun Seized in Fort McMurray Drug Arrest

Fort McMurray… A loaded handgun with its serial number filed off was seized after ALERT arrested a suspected Fort McMurray drug dealer.

ALERT’s Fort McMurray organized crime and gang team seized the handgun alongside approximately $40,000 in drugs and cash. One person has been arrested and warrants are being sought for three additional suspects.

“Taking a handgun off the street provides an indisputable benefit to public safety. The drug trade is inherently violent and it is the community that pays that toll,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT.

The seizure was made on July 11, 2019 after two Timberlea apartments were searched. Wood Buffalo RCMP provided assistance.

The search of the apartments yielded:

• .45-caliber handgun with its serial number removed;
• handgun ammunition;
• 311 grams of MDMA powder;
• 116 grams of cocaine; and
• $15,940 cash.

James Brian Taylor was arrested via a traffic stop. The 30-year-old Fort McMurray man was charged with: possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2); possession of proceeds of crime; careless storage of a firearm; possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number had been removed; and possession of a firearm while prohibited from doing so.

Meanwhile, warrants have been issued for: Jay Jazz Faithful, 27; Erica Colbourne, 25; and Rebecca MacRae, 28. The three are being sought for drug-related offences.

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.

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