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Search warrants executed at two rural properties west of Edmonton have led to the seizure of roughly $440,000 in stolen property, including vehicles, snowmobiles, tools, trailers and firearms, say Mounties.
The RCMP Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU) was asked to help Thorsby/Breton RCMP with a file April 11 after a civilian following a break and enter suspect vehicle was shot at, police said in an April 16 news release.
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As a result of that investigation, CAD CRU identified a suspect and turned to the Edmonton Police Service to conduct surveillance before RCMP were able to obtain two search warrants — one for a property in the Breton area, about 111 km west of Edmonton, and one for a residence in Parkland detachment area, about 77 km west of Edmonton.
But on April 12, a break and enter in the Rimbey area, about 143 km south of Edmonton, was reported, with numerous items, including a truck and trailer, reported stolen, said police. That truck unit along with another truck were seen returning to the Breton property, at which time the RMCP Emergency Response Team, executed the warrant. At one point, one of the suspect vehicles — later found to be stolen — rammed a police vehicle as the driver attempted to escape. Both drivers were eventually arrested before a loaded 9 mm Beretta handgun, 682 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 70 grams of suspected cocaine were seized.
Police said items taken from the Rimbey break and enter were recovered, including a truck and trailer, a gun safe containing eight hunting rifles and shotguns, jewellery, passports, and food. The Breton property search resulted in the seizure of $120,000 in stolen items including vehicles, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, tools, fat deck trailers, and a hot tub.
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The Parkland residence search warrant executed the same day led to the recovery of $320,000 worth of items including vehicles, holiday trailers, a side-by-side, enclosed trailers, flat deck trailers, a boat, and two firearms.
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RCMP said support from other units during the investigation included officers from the Breton/Thorsby detachment, Parkland detachment, Drayton Valley detachment, the critical incident program, police dog services, and the auto theft unit.
Justin Handbury, 38, of Alder Flats, is charged with 64 offences, including two counts of break and enter, 15 counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, seven counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a restricted / prohibited firearm, two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and five counts of possess/transfer/sell identity document.
Marlace Monds, 37, of Alder Flats, is charged with multiple offences including 14 counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and seven counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000.
Jesse Jeffcott, 41, of Alder Flats, has been charged with break and enter, theft of firearm, theft of motor vehicle, and two counts of theft of property over $5,000.
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