Four face charges in seizure of drugs, weapons

Three Alberta men and a woman are facing a combined 122 drug and weapons charges after police seized an arsenal of weapons — including 16 rifles — from suspected cocaine dealers in the Whitecourt area, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team said Thursday.

The charges stem from a twomonth investigation, which wrapped up March 14, between ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime and gang team and Whitecourt RCMP.

Police executed search warrants at a Whitecourt home and a rural residence in Woodland County where officers seized an estimated $30,000 worth of drugs, three handguns, three shotguns and 16 rifles.

Investigators say at least three of the firearms were acquired legally before they were eventually put into the hands of suspected criminals.

Officers seized 310 grams of cocaine, 77 Percocet pills, 119 methadone pills, a cocaine press and $8,580 in cash.

Jeffrey Smith, 30, of Whitecourt is charged with 29 offences; Clayton Taylor, 23, of Woodland County is charged with 45 offences; Alyssa Leakvold, 25, of Woodland County is charged with 45 offences; and Dustin Jennings, 24, of Fort Assiniboine is charged with three instances of firearms trafficking.

“This investigation and outcome is a great example of how ALERT works collaboratively with the Whitecourt RCMP detachment to address serious crime issues,” said Whitecourt Mayor Maryann Chichak in a Thursday statement. “Our community appreciates and values the work that ALERT does throughout our province and within our community to keep our residents safe.”