Fort McMurray man tied in BC kidnap plot: ALERT

A snapshot of the weapons and ammunition seized from an Eagle Ridge apartment by ALERT Fort McMurray. A 39-year-old man has been charged. Photo supplied by ALERT Fort McMurray.

Police have charged a Fort McMurray man in connection with a kidnapping which took place in British Columbia in April 2023.

According to ALERT Fort McMurray’s Organized Crime Team, a firearm involved in the incident has been registered in his name.

Sargeant Mark Wait said they don’t believe he was directly involved in the kidnapping, as officers were only looking into suspected firearms offences.

“If we see that one firearm has made its way into the community, it begs the question of how many more, what other crimes could they be used in, and that is something we take very seriously.”

Investigators obtained a search warrant, and seized the following items from his apartment in Eagle Ridge:

• Three handguns
• Bolt action rifle
• Semi-automatic rifle
• Shotgun
• 1200 rounds of various ammunition
• Expired Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)
• Various gun cases and magazines

A 39-year-old man has been charged with five counts of failing to report a lost or stolen restricted firearm.

ALERT said another four firearms registered to the accused remain unaccounted for.