Stolen Handgun Seized from Edmonton Drug Dealer

Edmonton… A stolen handgun has been seized from a suspected Edmonton area drug dealer following a short-term investigation by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

Joshua Bambush, 26, was arrested via a traffic stop on November 10 near the intersection of 95 Street and 124 Avenue Northwest. ALERT Edmonton is an integrated unit consisting of Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, and Alberta Sheriffs members.

Bambush was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun tucked into his waistband. Bambush has a lifetime firearms prohibition as result of a previous drug trafficking conviction. The handgun was previously reported stolen and has been submitted for forensic analysis to determine if it is linked to any crimes.

In the past six months, ALERT have seized 82 firearms from across the province related to organized crime and gang enforcement initiatives.

ALERT began their investigation in October after receiving information that Bambush was actively selling drugs in the Edmonton area. When Bambush was arrested he was also found in possession of quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, marihuana, and psilocybin.

Bambush is facing a total of 14 criminal charges relating to drugs, weapons, and breaches:

• Drug trafficking;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 4);
• Carrying a concealed weapon;
• Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle;
• Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm;
• Possession of a weapon obtained by crime;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Breach of recognizance (x 2).

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 Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.