Sawed-off firearm seized in Fort McMurray drug investigation

Fort McMurray… Approximately $30,000 in drugs and cash has been seized and a Fort McMurray man is facing charges following an ALERT investigation.

Earlier this month, ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime team began investigating cocaine trafficking in the community. ALERT identified David Carroll, 50-years old of Fort McMurray, who was suspected of selling drugs from his home while under house arrest.

On September 14, 2023, a search warrant was executed with the help of Wood Buffalo RCMP at a home in the Timberlea neighborhood. The following was seized as evidence:

• Sawed-off, semi-automatic firearm;
• 180 grams of cocaine;
• 14 grams of methamphetamine; and
• $9,470 in cash.

Carroll faces numerous drug-trafficking related charges, as well as possession of a loaded prohibited firearm.

Carroll is known to ALERT, having been arrested in March 2022 and charged with drug trafficking.

“It’s concerning to us to see that even following his last arrest that this activity continued, and that he was found with a prohibited firearm. We know that drug trafficking and firearms tend to go hand-in-hand, but it’s nevertheless worrisome when we do see this activity in our own backyards,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wait, ALERT Fort McMurray.

Carroll is being held in custody as he awaits his next court appearance scheduled for September 26, 2023.

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.