RED DEER COUNTY – Innisfail traffic police have busted a Calgary man during a traffic stop that yielded what is believed to be a replica firearm and substantial quantities of illegal drugs.
Cpl. Eric Ponton, the unit commander for Innisfail’s Integrated Traffic Unit, said in a news release that on Dec. 8 police officers initiated a traffic stop on a male driver for speeding on Highway 2 in Red Deer County.
Ponton said an accompanying Alberta Sheriff who initiated the traffic stop then began a provincial offence investigation for possession of marijuana that was within reach of the driver.
During the search of the vehicle, police discovered what was believed to be a handgun, said Ponton.
He said the male driver was arrested, and RCMP members attended to assist with the criminal investigation and searched the vehicle.
As a result of the vehicle search, police said the following was seized: one pound of marijuana; 15 grams of cocaine; one replica handgun; and $470 in suspected proceeds of crime.
Jaylon Sheardown, 19 of Calgary, was charged with:
• using an imitation firearm while attempting to commit an indictable offence;
• have in his possession a weapon, or imitation of a weapon, for a purpose dangerous to public peace;
• unlawfully possess a controlled substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking;
• unlawfully possess cannabis for the purpose of selling it contrary to the Cannabis Act
• transporting cannabis in contravention of the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act;
• exceed maximum posted speed limit; and
• transport cannabis within reach of the occupant in a motor vehicle.
Ponton said Sheardown was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Jan. 18.
The Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) is a team comprised of police officers from the RCMP, and peace officers from the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol. Part of the unit’s mandate is to intercept contraband being transported on Alberta’s highways.
