Nearly a dozen different RCMP detachments, police services and other enforcement agencies teamed up to bring down a gun trafficking ring.
The investigation was launched by Blackfalds RCMP after receiving intelligence about the possibility of the trafficking. Extensive evidence had to be gathered which included the engagement of firearms partners; the Chief Firearms Officer, Red Deer ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) and Edmonton Police Service’s Firearms Investigation Unit.
These units were able to provide expertise related to the dynamics of straw purchasing and trafficking.
Three suspects were identified and targeted in the ongoing investigation. On Feb. 12, search warrants were conducted at residences in both Red Deer and Blackfalds. Because there were two different locations, and given the nature of the searches, Blackfalds, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Ponoka General Investigation Section Units and Red Deer Crime Reduction Team all provided assistance. The RCMP Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team were also on hand to ensure police and public safety.
Three adults were taken into custody. During the execution of the search warrant, a loaded Glock .22 pistol was located with the three adults. Ten firearms and ammunition were seized from the residences. Some of the firearms were loaded, and had serial numbers tampered with. Continuing investigation led the RCMP to determine other firearms were purchased. The Blackfalds RCMP anticipate seizing two more pistols from a Calgary business.
David Jason Masyk, 39, Jason Paul Lafferty, 48, and Jennifer Lynn McCagherty, 29, were all charged last Saturday with firearms and firearms trafficking offences.
Lafferty is facing 25 charges, including four counts of firearms possession contrary to prohibition orders. Masyk is facing 10 charges, including three counts of weapons trafficking and four counts of weapons possession for the purpose of trafficking. McCagherty is facing 19 charges, including 10 counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Lafferty was remanded into custody until Wednesday. Masyk and McCagherty were both released and are set to appear in Red Deer provincial court on March 17.