Two accused in a large drugs, firearms and explosive seizure in Ponoka County earlier this year now have trial dates.
Between Feb. 18 and 21, 2023, Ponoka RCMP executed a search warrant on a rural property near Ponoka, recovering over $100,000 in stolen property.
READ MORE: Ponoka RCMP recover over $100,000 in stolen property, guns, explosives, illicit drugs
They were assisted in their search by he RCMP Police Dog Section and the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit.
RCMP seized suspected meth and cocaine, three firearms, about 2,000 rounds of ammunition, blasting caps, a stolen John Deere tractor, a truck and two trailers as well as several household items.
Ponoka County residents Timothy Shawn Leblanc (35 at the time), and Amanda Stewart (27 at the time), were both charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, altering a VIN number, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of a prohibited device, as well as unsafe storage of firearms.
LeBlanc was additionally charged with two counts of failing to comply with release conditions and possession of an explosive.
Stewart was arrested after the seizure and a warrant for Leblanc’s arrest was issued.
Both accused pleaded not guilty. Stewart is scheduled for trial on Sept. 1, 2023 at the Ponoka Court of Justice.
Leblanc’s trial is set for Feb. 13, 2024, also in Ponoka.
