COLD LAKE - On Oct. 21 Cold Lake RCMP executed a search warrant in the LeGoff townsite of Cold Lake First Nations, leading to significant firearm and drug-related charges against two people.
In a public statement released on Monday, Daniel McLaughlin, Communications Manager for Cold Lake First Nations (CLFNS), said CLFNS was aware of the police activity in the LeGoff townsite.
He noted that CLFNS leadership had been in communication with the RCMP, closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with law enforcement to ensure all necessary steps were taken during the ongoing investigation.
McLaughlin assured the public that the community was not in immediate danger and urged calm while the investigation continued.
“At this time, the community can be assured that there is no immediate danger. We ask residents to remain calm and allow the RCMP to complete their investigation," he said, adding, "Further details will be shared as they become available.”
Cst. Cory Riggs, Public Information Officer for Alberta RCMP, provided additional details, following the incident.
“On the early morning hours of Oct. 21, Cold Lake RCMP responded to a firearms complaint in Cold Lake First Nations,” Riggs confirmed.
Upon arrival, officers secured a search warrant for a residence in the area. “During the search, police located suspected cocaine, prescription pills, and items commonly used in drug trafficking,” Riggs reported.
The search also uncovered a cache of dangerous firearms.
“Police also located several firearms including a loaded automatic AK-47 rifle, a STEN submachine gun with loaded magazine cartridges, and two sawed-off shotguns. A male and a female were arrested and taken into custody in relation to this investigation,” Riggs stated.
The investigation into the seized firearms is ongoing, with particular focus on several weapons that lacked identifying markings or serial numbers. Riggs urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the origins of the firearms, noting that tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
The two individuals arrested have been identified as Tealyn Marten, 25, and Jaylin Favel, 21, both residents of Cold Lake First Nations.
Marten faces charges including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, multiple firearm-related offences, and failing to comply with the conditions of a release order.
Favel was charged with several firearm offences, including possession of a prohibited firearm without a license and careless storage of a firearm.
Both Marten and Favel were taken before a Justice of the Peace and were remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 22 in Cold Lake.
