Traffic stops lead to raft of drug, firearms charges against seven suspects

Seven people are facing charges after two Whitecourt area traffic stops in April led to the seizure of $100,000 worth of drugs, a stolen vehicle and a loaded illegal firearm, say RCMP.

Officers in the town 177 km northwest of Edmonton observed a vehicle driving 146 km/ hi na 100 km/h zone around 5 p.m. on April 19, police said in a Tuesday news release.

A roadside stop was conducted before 1.2 kg of suspected methamphetamine, 2,938 millilitres of codeine syrup, 178.8 grams of suspected cocaine, 78 bars of alprazolam and a loaded prohibited handgun were seized.

The items are valued at $90,000, police said.

Six people were arrested and charged.

Then, on April 18 around 7:45 p.m ., RCMP observed a driver on Highway 43 who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. A roadside stop was conducted before the officer noted that the VIN number on the vehicle didn’t match the registration and insurance documents.

Police determined the vehicle had been stolen from Didsbury in 2022.

The driver was arrested.

Police seized 156 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 8.5 grams of suspected cocaine, seven grams of suspected hash and break-in tools. The estimated value of the items is $10,000.

Tommy Kayfay, 19, and Chino Guiawan, 21, both of Edmonton, and Bradley Mercredi, 32, and April Sayine, 33, of Yellowknife are charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, five counts of firearm-related offences, and two counts of transporting cannabis and alcohol within easy access of an occupant (of a vehicle).

Guiled Ahmed Umar, 19, of Edmonton, is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, six counts of firearms-related offences, two counts of transporting cannabis and alcohol within easy access of occupant (of a vehicle), two counts of breach of release order, and impaired driving and speeding.

Suleiman Mohamed Abdow, 28, of Edmonton is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, six counts of firearms related offences, two counts of transporting cannabis and alcohol within easy access of occupant (of a vehicle), possession of an identity document not belonging to them, obstructing a police officer, identity fraud, and breach of release order.

Amanda Lee McVittie, 52, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break-in tools, break of undertaking, and four Traffic Safety Act tickets.