CANMORE – RCMP in Banff and Canmore have charged four people following a drug and firearms investigation.
The police began an investigation into an incident that occurred in December 2022 of unlawful possession of a firearm.
As a result of a joint investigation between Canmore and Banff RCMP detachments, officers with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant on Feb. 4 at a residence in the Silvertip area of Canmore.
During the search, RCMP seized three shotguns, two of which were loaded; two loaded handguns, several rounds of ammunition, 260 grams of cocaine and $800 in Canadian currency.
“Canmore and Banff detachments worked in close collaboration to bring this investigation to its successful resolution,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Singleton, the detachment commander of Canmore RCMP in a news release.
“Our ability to share intelligence, and resources during important investigations significantly increases the quality of service to our communities.”
RCMP arrested and charged 26-year-old Canmore resident Austin Clark Desylva with pointing a firearm, 20 weapons offences, possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of property obtained by crime.
The man was taken before a justice of the peace and released. His next court appearance is Feb. 22 at Canmore Provincial Court.
Three other men, aged 36 to 45, all residents of Canmore were also taken into custody and released on recognizance.
