Five people have been arrested in a joint forces investigation into outlaw motorcycle groups operating here in Fort McMurray.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) and Wood Buffalo RCMP executed four search warrants on Wednesday, September 21, following the investigation into the local chapters of the ‘Warlocks’ and the ‘Hells Angels’ support club called the ‘Syndicate’.
The investigation was launched in relation to an on-going conflict between the two groups.
The search warrants were conducted on three vehicles and a Fort McMurray home, which is alleged to be the de facto Warlocks clubhouse.
As result of the searches, investigators seized:
- Seven Warlocks vests
- Warlocks club documents and paraphernalia
- 15 rifles and shotguns
- Glock handgun
- Other prohibited weapons, including brass knuckles and bear spray
All of the 16 firearms seized were lawfully possessed and there are no firearms charges being sought at this time. However, the firearms were seized in the interest of public safety and ALERT will be applying for their destruction.
Five members of the Warlocks were arrested and charged with committing an indictable offence for a criminal organization, robbery, and possession of a prohibited weapon:
- Jordan Norman, 31
- Jeremy Smith, 30
- Justin Swyer, 33
- Randolph Carpentier, 55
- Shawn Brett, 27
The accused have been held in custody with their bail being denied. They are expected to return before a judge in Fort McMurray Monday.
ALERT said the Warlocks have been operating in Fort McMurray since 2010 and are one of two chapters in Canada for the Florida-based club. Previously a Warlocks chapter operated out of Drayton Valley, but in March 2014 ALERT dismantled the club when four members were arrested
The Syndicate is a support club of the Hells Angels and has been in Fort McMurray since 2009. There are approximately two dozen Hells Angels support clubs across Alberta.
Anyone with information concerning this investigation is encouraged to contact Fort McMurray’s dedicated gang tipline at 780-788-GANG.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
