BATTLEFORDS – Police seized a loaded semi-automatic firearm and illicit drugs following a traffic stop.
On June 17 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Battlefords RCMP were patrolling around the area of 100 Street and 15 Avenue.
An officer determined a vehicle was displaying a plate that belonged to a different kind of vehicle. The officer activated their emergency lights and performed a traffic stop. The driver did not have a licence, so he was arrested.
As a result of further investigation, officers located and seized the following from the vehicle: a loaded, semi-automatic firearm; small amounts of cocaine, suspected methamphetamine and illicit cannabis; unstamped tobacco; dozens of unidentified pharmaceutical-style pills; a large sword; a prohibited loaded magazine; drug trafficking paraphernalia; a sum of cash; and body armour.
A passenger of the vehicle was also arrested.
As a result of a continued investigation, a 36-year-old man, from Alberta, and a 29-year-old woman, from North Battleford, are each charged with:
- two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking;
- one count, transport a prohibited firearm in a careless manner;
- one count, possess a firearm knowingly without a licence;
- one count, occupy a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm/prohibited device inside;
- one count, unlicensed possession of a loaded prohibited weapon;
- one count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device;
- two counts, possession of a firearm/prohibited device while prohibited;
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000;
- one count, possession of illicit cannabis; and
- one count, possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution.
The 36-year-old suspect is also charged with:
- two counts, operate a conveyance while prohibited; and
- two additional counts, possession of a firearm/prohibited device while prohibited.
Both accused have been remanded into custody until their next appearance in North Battleford provincial court on June 23.
