Resolution expected on drug, gun charges

A Lethbridge man facing drugs and weapons charges will be back in court Nov. 23 for the anticipated resolution.

The court was asked for a lengthier than usual adjournment time on Friday by defence lawyer Darcy Shurtz on behalf of his client Tyson Shiels, 26, who is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of proceeds of crime; unauthorized possession of a firearm; careless storage of a firearm; careless storage of ammunition; and drug possession.

Shurtz informed the court his client was working in Saskatchewan and could not be present in person to plead to the charges before then. Federal Crown prosecuter Jeremy DeBow had no objection to the adjournment if the court noted the delay was a defence request, and on condition Shiels appear in person on Nov. 23.

On Jan. 17 of this year, ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team confiscated an SKS rifle and a quantity of cocaine and cash from a north Lethbridge home. Police seized 138 grams of cocaine, 2.5 grams of cannabis and several unknown pills.

The drugs were seized alongside an SKS rifle and ammunition, which the suspect did not lawfully possess. Police also seized $16,580 in cash proceeds of crime and a 2016 Dodge pickup truck. At the time of the residence search, Shiels was arrested and subsequently charged.