In early May, the Medicine Hat ALERT Organized Crime Section entered into an investigation with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) relating to a local male suspected of importing prohibited weapons and devices.
On May 7, 2020, CBSA officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre intercepted a package sent from China that was found to contain a firearm silencer destined for a residence in Medicine Hat. The seizure was transferred to the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section in Calgary and then referred it to the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) for further investigation. The CBSA is continuing its investigation related to firearms smuggling offences.
On May 28, 2020, members of the ALERT team attempted to conclude the investigation by executing a criminal code search warrant at a residence on Ross Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB. When police attempted to arrest the male the accused barricaded himself in his residence and refused to exit. During the standoff the accused male physically assaulted an officer and as a result he was struck in the leg with a police impact projectile.
MHPS Crisis Negotiator Team members negotiated with the male and the stand off ended with the accused surrendering to the MHPS Tactical Arrest and Control Team members on scene. A search of the residence resulted in the recovery of $4,700 USD counterfeit money and several prohibited weapons including;
- A silencer for a firearm
- A conducted energy weapon
- A set of nunchucks
- Throwing stars
- A switch blade knife
- Pepper Spray
The male, who can not be identified at this time, remains in police custody awaiting a judicial interim release hearing on the following charges:
- Possess prohibited weapon/device (x6)
- Possession of counterfeit currency
- Assault & resist a Peace Officer
The MHPS would like to thank the CBSA for their support with this investigation, which resulted in the removal of these dangerous weapons from our community.
Media Contact:
S/Sgt Kelsey Fraser
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
PhL 403-529-8425
Mylene Estrada-del Rosario
Communications Advisor, Western Canada
Conseillère en communications, Ouest canadien
Ph: 403-389-4519