An 18-year-old from Lloydminster is facing firearms trafficking charges after Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) seized 18 guns at a rural property near Marwayne, Alta.
Zachary Gayton, 18, was arrested following a June 4 raid by ALERT’s organized crime team. The operation took place with help from Kitscoty RCMP at a rural residence roughly 40 kilometres northwest of Lloydminster.
Read more: ALERT operation makes Lloydminster safer
Investigators say Gayton, who unlawfully possessed all the firearms, was attempting to sell them online. They said the investigation is ongoing and one weapon was missing a serial number.
“It’s not unreasonable to say this seizure provided a huge intervention towards keeping the community safe,” said ALERT’s Insp. Brad Lundeen. “More often than not, someone acquiring stolen firearms is using them to commit further criminal offences.”
They also seized ammunition and prohibited over-capacity magazines.
The firearms will undergo forensic and ballistics testing at ALERT’s provincial firearms lab. The Lab specializes in restoring serial numbers, among other abilities. They can also help trace weapons back to previous crimes.
Gayton faces weapons trafficking and multiple other firearms-related charges.
The Alberta government funds the organization, which brings together law enforcement agencies to target serious and organized crime.
Anyone with information about drug or gang activity can contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Calls to Crime Stoppers are always anonymous.
Read more: ALERT arrests drug dealer in Lloyd
This is untrue. Most of those guns were owned by the land owner. I think you had better fact check. The land owner who let the daughters boys friend stay with them as he had no where to go is the crime. The boyfriend was a bad dude and the dad tried to help his daughter who is on drugs. Do your job and ask some questions.