Machine Gun Seized in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake Bust

Red Deer… A MAC-11 subcompact machine gun was one of seven firearms seized by ALERT in a series of drug raids in Red Deer and Sylvan Lake. Six people were arrested in a three-month investigation.

ALERT’s Red Deer organized crime and gang team concluded the investigation on October 12 with the search of three residences in Sylvan Lake and one home in Red Deer. The search warrants came as part of a drug trafficking investigation with assistance from RCMP Sylvan Lake and RCMP Red Deer detachments.

The MAC-11 was equipped with a silencer and found with two extended clip magazines. The firearm was seized from the home of Justin Sandquist, 26, in the Vanier Woods neighbourhood of Red Deer. At the time of his arrest, Sandquist was on bail for an Edmonton homicide investigation.

Investigators allege that Sandquist and five other people arrested were involved in drug trafficking in the Sylvan Lake and Red Deer areas. During the investigation 68 grams of cocaine was seized, along with various pills, buffing agents, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.

Six people were charged in the investigation, including Robyn Lehner, 32, Darcey Perry, 24, Kyle Schellenberger, 27, Kayla Simms, 20, Walter Cameron, 45, and Sandquist They are facing a total of 38 charges related to drugs and firearms offences.

The seven firearms that were seized, included:

• MAC-11 submachine gun;
• 2 SKS rifles;
• 2 shotguns;
• Stolen sawed-off rifle;
• Loaded handgun;
• Body armour;
• Various rounds of ammunition.

ALERT began investigating the group’s suspected drug activities in June 2016.

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.