(Supplied/IBET)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

three people

Integrated Border Enforcement Team charges central Albertans in firearms investigation

May 19, 2023 | 10:53 AM

Charges have been laid against multiple people from central Alberta after a joint force operation by the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET).

The team includes RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Calgary Police Service (CPS).

They say three people now face multiple counts in relation to weapons trafficking and the possession of illegal firearms, this following an investigation which began in September 2022.

IBET says at that time, it was notified by CBSA that a suspicious package addressed to an Eckville residence had been intercepted. An examination of the package’s contents revealed 10 Polymer80 lower Glock handgun kits. Two additional packages, which contained nine polymer lowers for AR-15 rifles and one upper receiver with a barrel, were intercepted by CBSA in April 2023.

Over the course of eight months, IBET conducted a comprehensive investigation that led to search warrants being executed in Eckville, Rocky Mountain House and Calgary on May 3, 2023.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

23h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

Apr 02, 2026

As a result, RCMP seized numerous prohibited handguns, long barrel guns, and evidence of manufacturing various firearms.

“Firearm violence has impacted several communities across the nation and the policing community as a whole. This investigation serves as an important reminder that the fight to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada is always ongoing,” says Supt. Sean Boser, OIC of Federal Policing – Calgary. “This is yet another demonstration on the importance of collaboration. With the support of CBSA, CPS and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team, the RCMP has prevented three suspects from distributing these dangerous and illegal firearms to Alberta communities.”

Adds Lisa Laurencelle-Peace, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region, “We’re taking action to keep Canadians safe from gun violence. Our work begins at the border, stopping illegal firearms from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity. I want to thank our CBSA officers, the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service who work together to keep our communities safe.”

(Supplied/IBET)

(Supplied/IBET)

Aaron Mckervey, 30, a resident of Eckville, was arrested and charged with:

· Importing or Exporting Knowing it is Unauthorized contrary to section 103(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (x2);

· Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 99(1) of the Criminal Code (x2);

· Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized contrary to section 92(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code (x3);

· Possession for Purpose of Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 100(1) of the Criminal Code (x2);

· Making Automatic Firearm contrary to section 102(1) of the Criminal Code (x2);

· Contravention of Storage Regulations contrary to section 86(2) of the Criminal Code; and,

· Smuggling into Canada contrary to section 159 of the Customs Act (x3).

Alpat Sonnenberg, 63, a resident of Rocky Mountain House, was arrested and charged with:

· Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 99(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession for the Purpose of Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 100(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of Weapon Obtained by Commission of Office contrary to section 96(3) of the Criminal Code;

· Contravention of Storage Regulations contrary to section 86(2) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code; and,

· Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code.

Koty Herndon, 38, a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with:

· Unauthorized Possession in Motor Vehicle contrary to section 94(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 99(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession for Purpose of Weapons Trafficking contrary to section 100(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence contrary to section 96 of the Criminal Code;

· Contravention of Storage Regulations contrary to section 86(2) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code;

· Possession of Prohibited Weapon, Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) of the Criminal Code; and,

· Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code;

Mckervey is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on May 23, while Sonnenberg is scheduled to appear on May 24, and Herndon is scheduled to appear on June 9.