On Feb. 2, 2023, Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit were attempting to locate an individual believed to be breaching multiple release conditions. Police observed the male travelling as a passenger in a taxi and conducted a traffic stop where the individual was arrested. During a search of the male police seized 57 grams of suspected cocaine and an imitation firearm.
Further investigation led police to obtain a search warrant for a residence in Grande Prairie associated to the male, which resulted in the seizure of what is believed to be 50 grams of methamphetamine, 100 millilitres of GHB and two firearms.
A 36-year-old individual, a resident of High Prairie, Alta., Derek Charles Shaw (36) a resident of High Prairie, Alta. has been charged with several offences including:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance (x2)
- Fail to comply with release conditions (x7)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x2)
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x2)
- Unsafe storage of a firearm (x3)
At the time of the arrest, the individual was wanted on several warrants for similar offences. Following a judicial hearing, the individual was remanded into custody to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on Feb. 27, 2023.
"Our officers are committed to increasing public safety in Grande Prairie by targeting repeat offenders who continue to engage in criminal activity in our community," says Cpl. Steven Jewer of the Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit. "This arrest resulted in the removal of illegal drugs from our streets and took two firearms out of the hands of an offender."
Grande Prairie RCMP encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911.If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.