Edmonton police have issued warrants for three people in connection with what it called a significant firearms seizure.
In a news conference Thursday, police shared more information about the seizure.
As part of a 2022 drug trafficking investigation, the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement team (EDGE) executed search warrants at a hotel room and home in southwest Edmonton.
A total of $219, 525 in cash and 11 firearms were seized. The police also found three vehicles with hidden compartments. No illegal drugs were located but evidence of drug trafficking such as packaging materials and cocaine conversion equipment was found, police said.
Staff Sgt. David Paton of EDGE said during the news conference that the quantity of the firearms seized is significant.
“Of the firearms seized, two were listed as stolen and five were of U.S. origin, one of the stolen handguns is capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. High-capacity magazines were seized … and also it needs to be mentioned most of these firearms were found in a loaded condition.”
Through this investigation, police said they believe the people being charged were trafficking cocaine between Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Warrants have been issued for 34-year-old Lance Adam Burke Larocque, 32-year-old Maya Anne Cardenas McGregor and 25-year-old Reilly Michael John Ross.
The group, in total, faces more than 40 charges including possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of a weapon obtained by crime and possession of anything intended to traffic controlled substances.
Const. Erik Tolley, a firearms expert, said that these firearms were professional and had modifications you cannot obtain legally anywhere.
“From my perspective, just from examining the firearms, these are all high-end firearms. These aren’t the some of the garbage firearms that we find on the street that are held together with tape.”
Anyone with information on the location of the three individuals is asked to contact the Edmonton police at 780-423-4567. Those wanting to leave anonymous tips should contact Crime Stoppers.