(Photo: RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Investigation into straw-buying started last month

Three arrested for firearms trafficking

Feb 16, 2021 | 4:35 PM

RCMP say three people have been charged on the heels of a “comprehensive investigation” that started in January and saw at least 11 different partnering detachments, units and agencies collaborating to stop an organized firearms straw buying and trafficking operation.

An Alberta RCMP news release says the investigation was launched by Blackfalds RCMP after receiving intelligence about the possibility of the trafficking. Extensive evidence had to be gathered which included the engagement of firearms partners; the Chief Firearms Officer, NWEST, Red Deer ALERT and Edmonton Police Service’s Firearms Investigation Unit. Mounties say these units were able to provide expertise related to the dynamics of straw purchasing and trafficking.

Three suspects were identified and targeted in the ongoing investigation and on Feb. 12, search warrants were conducted at residences in both Red Deer and Blackfalds. Because there were two different locations, and given the nature of the searches, RCMP say the Blackfalds, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Ponoka General Investigation Section Units and Red Deer Crime Reduction Team all provided assistance, and that the RCMP Police Dog Services and Emergency Response Team were also on hand to ensure police and public safety.

Three adults were taken into custody. During the execution of the search warrant, police say a loaded Glock .22 pistol was located with the three adults. Ten firearms and ammunition were seized from the residences, some of which Mounties say were loaded and had serial numbers tampered with. Continuing investigation led the RCMP to determine other firearms were purchased. The Blackfalds RCMP anticipate seizing two more pistols from a Calgary business.

David Jason Masyk, 39, Jason Paul Lafferty, 48, and Jennifer Lynn McCagherty, 29, were all charged criminally on Feb. 13 related to firearms and firearms trafficking offences.

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Lafferty is facing 25 charges, including four counts of firearms possession contrary to prohibition order. Masyk is facing 10 charges, including three counts of weapons trafficking and four counts of weapons possession for the purpose of trafficking. McCagherty is facing 19 charges, including 10 counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Judicial Interim Release hearings have been held. Lafferty did not speak to bail and was remanded into custody until Feb. 17. Masyk and McCagherty were both released and are set to appear in Red Deer Provincial court on March 17.