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Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team

Stolen handgun seized during Red Deer drug arrests

Published

9 months ago

2 minute read

News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

ALERT seized a loaded handgun during the arrest of suspected drug dealers in Red Deer. The handgun, which had previously been reported as stolen, was seized alongside cocaine, fentanyl, and other prohibited items.

The seizure took place on April 4, 2024 when ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team observed a suspected drug transaction involving two vehicles in a parking lot along Gaetz Avenue. Two vehicles were pulled over and the five occupants were arrested.

One of the suspected drug dealers was found carrying the loaded handgun tucked into his waistband. The handgun was determined to have previously been reported as stolen from the Edmonton area.

“Although gang-related violence may seem specifically targeted to those involved in organized criminality; the negative impact of this victimization is far more reaching and effects all Albertans.  The solution lays within the integrated approach of our ALERT teams to suppress, disrupt and dismantle organized crime,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT Edmonton.

The full search of both vehicles resulted in ALERT seizing the following items:

  • Loaded, stolen handgun;
  • 45 grams of cocaine;
  • 2 grams of fentanyl;
  • 3 fentanyl patches;
  • GPS tracking device;
  • Portable hacking device;
  • Brass knuckles;
  • Gloves and balaclavas; and
  • $5,100 cash.

The handgun will be submitted for further analysis and examination by ALERT’s Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.

The five suspects arrested face a combined 25 charges related to drug, firearms, and weapons offences:

  • Makenzie Giles, 27-year-old from Red Deer;
  • Martin Heathen, 30-year-old from Onion Lake, Sask.;
  • Jordan McMartin, 22-year-old from Red Deer;
  • Ethan Frenette, 21-year-old from Red Deer; and
  • Madison Halvorson, 23-year-old from Red Deer.

McMartin was also found to be wanted on several warrants in relation to offences in the Red Deer area.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or 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.

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Alberta

Hells Angels member arrested with handgun in Red Deer

Published on November 27, 2024

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 A member of the Hells Angels Alberta Nomads chapter is facing charges after being found in possession of a handgun.

Owen Czech was arrested by ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team on November 13, 2024 in Red Deer. The 55-year-old outlaw biker was found in possession of a Glock handgun, along with multiple magazines.

“Despite their best efforts to portray themselves as nothing more than motorcycle enthusiasts, the Hells Angels routinely find themselves involved in criminal activity and are a threatening presence in our communities,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT.

ALERT interrupted Czech and two other members of the Syndicate Motorcycle Club, a support club to the Hells Angels, as they were allegedly committing an assault. Czech allegedly attempted to conceal the firearm in a vehicle when stopped by police.

Czech is a self-identified member of the Hells Angels and was bound by conditions not to possess firearms.

Czech has been charged with:

  • Assault;
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
  • Careless use of a firearm;
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle;
  • Possession of a prohibited firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
  • Carrying a concealed weapon; and
  • Failing to comply with a release order.
Czech remains in custody and is scheduled to speak to bail on November 27, 2024.

ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team is a uniform team focused on violence suppression and combatting gang activity throughout the province.

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.
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Alberta

Fentanyl “Superlab dismantled by ALERT near Valleyview

Published on November 7, 2024

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News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

ALERT has located and dismantled an alleged fentanyl superlab that was operating outside of Valleyview, Alta. The superlab is estimated to have regularly produced bulk quantities of fentanyl for years and was a significant source of fentanyl in Alberta and Western Canada.

ALERT, along with the RCMP’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Response Team (CLEAR), executed a search warrant at the rural lab location on October 2, 2024. Four days were spent searching the property and dismantling the highly sophisticated lab.

ALERT will provide full details via a news conference on Friday, November 8, 2024.

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.

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