Guns, $200K worth of drugs seized in northern Alberta bust

Seven people are facing more than 175 charges after 12 guns and nearly $200,000 worth of drugs were seized from northern Alberta.

A six-month joint investigation by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team and Peace River RCMP wrapped up on May 31 with members of the ALERT crime and gang team searching a property in Peace River.

Twelve firearms, body armour and $190,000 worth of drugs were seized, ALERT said in a media release Friday morning.

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“The payoff is a substantial win for public safety. A seizure of this many drugs and guns will undoubtedly have a regional impact,” Cpl. James Ries with ALERT Grande Prairie said.

In total, the following was seized:

• 1 kilogram of cocaine
• 234 grams of methamphetamine
• 223 grams of fentanyl
• 3.75 litres of GHB
• 7 handguns
• 3 rifles
• 2 shotguns
• 3 sets of body armour
• Ammunition
• Numerous illicit prescription tablets
• $8,905 cash

Of the 12 firearms seized, ALERT said four were reported stolen and two of the handguns had their serial numbers defaced.

The following people are now facing a total of 176 criminal charges related to drugs and firearms:

• Bradley Morency, 38
• Richard Zeluf, 35
• Shauna Pope, 35
• Alvin Machholz, 49
• Rhonda Braun, 46
• Sheldon Lambert, 41
• Cheyanne Geissler, 18

Peace River is located about 500 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.