Cardston gun shop owners accused of weapons trafficking

LETHBRIDGE – The entire firearms inventory of a business in Cardston has been seized following a five-month investigation into alleged weapons trafficking.

Members of the ALERT Lethbridge organized crime and gang team, working with the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST), executed a search warrant at K&D Implements May 29. The search was aided by Cardston RCMP and Lethbridge Police.

Two of the store’s owners, 58-year-old Dean Sommerfeldt and 31-year-old Todd Sommerfeldt, were arrested and are jointly charged wtih trafficking a firearm, possession of weapons for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a restricted weapon and transfer without authority. It’s alleged the store sold guns and ammunition to people without confirming that they held valid Possession Acquisition Licenses.

The seized inventory includes more than one million rounds of ammunition, 49 handguns, 972 long guns, 270 kg of gunpowder, 446 kg of an explosive called Tannerite and 12,000 firearm primers.

Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT said the decision to seize the shop’s inventory was made out of concern for public safety.

Individuals aged 55 and over

Central Alberta Older Adult Employment Strategy Assessment Project full report released

11h ago

UPDATE

Red Deer Polytechnic confirms student death on-campus

15h ago

retrofitting building

Carnival Cinemas applies to rezone for residential development

17h ago

“We would be naive to believe that this was not exploited by organized crime and the criminal element,” Walper said. He told reporters there was no evidence guns used in any crime had originated at the store, but added it was a possibility.

“With unrestricted firearms it’s very difficult to trace where these firearms have gone, because of the legislation that currently surrounds the selling of unrestricted firearms,” Walper explained.

Police said the investigation began following complaints from the public. Staff Sgt. Glenn Henry, Coaldale RCMP detachment commander, said it was a member of the Cardston detachment who first recognized a larger investigation was needed. Henry credited the day-to-day police work involved, as well as the cooperation of multiple forces.

The two suspects were released on conditions, including that they not possess firearms. They are scheduled to appear in court in Cardston June 19.