TWO handguns, one that had its serial number defaced and the other that previously reported as stolen, have been recovered by Alberta’s ALERT.
ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team made the seizure on April 16 after searching a vehicle. The Calgary Police Service also helped with the search of the vehicle and two residential locations in Calgary’s northeast neighbourhood. Ikjot Sidhu, 19, was arrested.
Inside the vehicle, ALERT located two handguns, magazines, ammunition, and shell casings. The one handgun was previously reported as stolen in Manitoba.
“Gun violence is a serious public safety issue that impacts Calgary and other communities across the province. ALERT works closely with our partners at the Calgary Police Service to share intelligence and take illegal firearms off the street,” said ALERT Staff-Sgt. Ryan Smart.
The handguns and shell casings are being analyzed by Calgary Police Service Forensic Firearms Lab to determine if they were used in any other crimes.
Sidhu was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a restricted firearm;
- Possession of a prohibited device;
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle;
- Carrying a concealed weapon;
- Possession of a firearm with ammunition;
- Possession of a firearm obtained by crime;
- Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number; and
- Careless use of a firearm.
Sidhu was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 29.
Sidhu’s arrest came as part of an organized crime investigation based on information received regarding firearms activity.
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.
