A months-long investigation focused on stolen vehicles, the alteration of vehicle identification numbers and the fraudulent trafficking of stolen vehicles to victims has concluded in Swan Hills.
On Jan. 22, search warrants were executed at multiple locations in Swan Hills with the help of RCMP members from various units, including the Western Alberta District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, the Swan Hills detachment, Western Alberta District General Investigative Services and the K Division Auto Theft Unit.
Police say the following items were recovered:
- Multiple stolen vehicles valued over $5,000, including a pick-up truck, trailer, Harley-Davidson motorcycle, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles.
- Three firearms, including one prohibited, a crossbow, and ammunition.
- Approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine.
- Additional offence-related property.
As a result of the investigation, five Swan Hills residents have been arrested and charged.
“This is a great example of an RCMP multi-unit collaboration, bringing together local knowledge, district-level resources and specialized expertise to effectively dismantle this operation,” says Cst. Dylan Macleod, primary investigator assigned to the case. “Improving public safety through the removal of stolen vehicles, firearms and drugs remains a key focus for our unit.”
A 33-year-old is charged with:
- Fraud greater than $5,000
- Fraud under $5,000 (x2)
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Alter/Destroy/Remove a Vehicle Identification Number (x3)
- Forgery (x2)
- Use/Traffic/Possess a forged document
A 32-year-old is charged with:
- Fraud greater than $5,000
- Fraud under $5,000
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Alter/Destroy/Remove a Vehicle Identification Number (x2)
- Use/Traffic/Possess a forged document
One 35-year-old faces the following charges:
- Alter/Destroy/Remove a Vehicle Identification Number
- Fraud under $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x3)
- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
- Unsafe storage of firearms (x3)
- Possession of prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition
- Use/Traffic/Possess a forged document
A second 35-year-old was also charged with:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x2)
- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
- Unsafe storage of firearms (x3)
- Possession of prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition
Lastly, a 63-year-old faces the following two charges:
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (x4)
- Alter/Destroy/Remove a Vehicle Identification Number (x3)
The second 35-year-old, the 63-year-old and the 32-year-old were released before an officer in charge with a scheduled court appearance of March 24 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Barrhead.
The 33-year-old was was brought before a justice of the peace and released from custody with a next court appearance scheduled for Feb. 10 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Barrhead. The first 35-year-old was also brought before a justice of the peace, but was remanded into custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for Jan. 27, also at the Alberta Court of Justice in Barrhead.
The RCMP reminds the public to exercise caution when purchasing used vehicles and recreational equipment.
