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Over 100 charges laid following bust in Southern Alberta

Aug 31, 2022 | 1:44 PM

GLEICHEN, AB – RCMP have arrested two people following the seizures of firearms and illicit drugs.

Gleichen RCMP executed a search warrant at a home on Railway Street in Gleichen on Friday, August 26, 2022.

Officers seized undisclosed amounts of suspected cocaine, fentanyl, and oxycodone; four rifles, a shotgun, and two imitiation firearms; several types of live ammunition; several weapons including a large machete and bear spray; and an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency.

Gleichen RCMP Cpl. Karen Scotland commended the work of the attending officers.

Gleichen RCMP officers put in the long hours and hard work to get illicit drugs and guns off of the street,” says Scotland. “This successful search warrant is a reflection of the dedication they have to the communities they serve.” 

Justin Andrew Woodside, 45, of Gleichen, faces a total of more than 80 charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Some of the charges against Woodside include 24 counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, 17 counts of unauthorized possession and careless use of firearms, 10 counts of failing to comply with a release order, and four counts of trafficking a controlled substance.

Charlene Marie Annette Coates, 45, of Gleicen, faces a total of 26 charges, some of which include 10 counts of careless use of a firearm, five counts of possession of a dangerous weapon, and three counts of trafficking a controlled substance.

The two suspects remain in custody following bail hearings and are scheduled to appear in Siksika Provincial Court on September 1, 2022.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now