On Feb. 16, Ponoka RCMP received a report of a stolen skid steer for sale on a rural property west of Ponoka. After investigation, Ponoka RCMP members obtained and executed a series of search warrants which lead to the seizure of over $100,000 in stolen property including:
- a John Deere skid steer;
- BMW sedan;
- utility trailer;
- explosives;
- three firearms;
- two imitation firearms;
- numerous types of ammunition and magazines;
- approximately 38g of suspected fentanyl;
- approximately 180g of suspected cocaine;
- scuba diving gear;
- collectibles including coins and video games, and
- various other stolen items.
As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Timothy Leblanc, 36, with the following:
- altering a VIN number;
- failure to comply with release order condition x2;
- possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
- possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
- possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition
- possessio of an explosive;
- unauthorized possession of a firearm x2, and
- unsafe storage of firearms.
Charges against a second suspect were later withdrawn.