The execution of a search warrant involving major police and other emergency services resulted in over 70 long-barrelled weapons and eight handguns being seized from a residence south of Crestomere on Wednesday.
Ponoka RCMP said on Thursday that a 38-year-old man from Ponoka County has been charged with 15 firearms-related offences, including: trafficking in a firearm, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of explosives, unsafe storage of firearms and possession of firearms while prohibited.
In addition, charges under the Wildlife Act are pending.
His name has not been released.
Ponoka RCMP spokesman Const. Jason Woodland said that police don’t know what the firearms were being used for.
The accused has been remanded in custody and will appear in Ponoka provincial court today.
Various RCMP units participated in the execution of the search warrant, including the RCMP helicopter.
“The helicopter was used in conjunction with the specialized units,” said Woodland. “It was flying over the residence.”
These units included Red Deer emergency response unit, Ponoka RCMP, Hobbema community response unit, RCMP air services, RCMP Edmonton explosives disposal unit, National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Calgary customs and excise unit. Alberta Fish and Wildlife also participated.