Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Stolen handgun seized during Red Deer drug arrests
News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)
ALERT seized a loaded handgun during the arrest of suspected drug dealers in Red Deer. The handgun, which had previously been reported as stolen, was seized alongside cocaine, fentanyl, and other prohibited items.
The seizure took place on April 4, 2024 when ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team observed a suspected drug transaction involving two vehicles in a parking lot along Gaetz Avenue. Two vehicles were pulled over and the five occupants were arrested.
One of the suspected drug dealers was found carrying the loaded handgun tucked into his waistband. The handgun was determined to have previously been reported as stolen from the Edmonton area.
“Although gang-related violence may seem specifically targeted to those involved in organized criminality; the negative impact of this victimization is far more reaching and effects all Albertans. The solution lays within the integrated approach of our ALERT teams to suppress, disrupt and dismantle organized crime,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT Edmonton.
The full search of both vehicles resulted in ALERT seizing the following items:
- Loaded, stolen handgun;
- 45 grams of cocaine;
- 2 grams of fentanyl;
- 3 fentanyl patches;
- GPS tracking device;
- Portable hacking device;
- Brass knuckles;
- Gloves and balaclavas; and
- $5,100 cash.
The handgun will be submitted for further analysis and examination by ALERT’s Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.
The five suspects arrested face a combined 25 charges related to drug, firearms, and weapons offences:
- Makenzie Giles, 27-year-old from Red Deer;
- Martin Heathen, 30-year-old from Onion Lake, Sask.;
- Jordan McMartin, 22-year-old from Red Deer;
- Ethan Frenette, 21-year-old from Red Deer; and
- Madison Halvorson, 23-year-old from Red Deer.
McMartin was also found to be wanted on several warrants in relation to offences in the Red Deer area.
Anyone with information about this investigation, or who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
News release from ALERT Internet Child Exploitation unit (ICE)
Edmonton fire captain charged in ICE investigation
A Captain with the Edmonton Fire Rescue Service has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit.
Christopher McDonald was arrested on January 16, 2024 with the help of the Morinville RCMP. The 54-year-old man is charged with possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, making available child pornography, and two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm.
ICE began its investigation into McDonald in October 2023 following reports of a suspect sharing high volumes of child sexual exploitation materials online.
“Given the position of authority and the role firefighters have in the community it is concerning that the suspect is accessing and distributing child sexual abuse material,” said Const. Scott Sterling, ALERT ICE.
A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from McDonald’s home, which are now being examined to collect further evidence. During the search of his home several firearms were located, which were not being properly stored.
While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, the nature of McDonald’s employment placed him in a position of trust and authority. ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).
McDonald was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions, and is awaiting his next scheduled court appearance on February 15, 2024 in Morinville, Alta.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Five child sexual exploitation suspects are facing charges as part of Operation ICE Tundra. ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit made the arrests in response to an increase in child sexual exploitation offences in Grande Prairie.
ICE executed a total of seven search warrants on seven homes with assistance from Grande Prairie RCMP between November 27-30, 2023. While the investigations were independent of one another, they shared the common thread of individuals uploading and accessing child sexual abuse material over the internet.
Operation ICE Tundra was initiated in October after investigators noticed an increase in case referrals originating from Grande Prairie. ICE receives case referrals from the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Center.
“An operation of this scale isn’t possible every day, but it’s important our unit creates a presence in smaller communities, showing that we will not tolerate this abuse against children. When these types of files are shared online, it’s the children who are the victims and are revictimized each time that file is shared,” said Sgt. Kerry Shima, ALERT ICE.
During the investigation, ICE relied on its Mobile Evidence Recovery Technology Lab (MERTL) to allow forensic technicians to rapidly conduct a preliminary analysis of electronic devices and computers seized from the homes.
“Our intention is always to support and protect the community and we recognize that throughout Alberta our job is to protect not only the community, but the children and vulnerable youth in the community. Grande Prairie should be assured that we’re up there working with them,” Shima added.
Full forensic analysis is ongoing, which may lead to additional arrests, charges, or the identification of potential victims.
To date, the following individuals have been charged with access, possession and transmitting child pornography in Operation ICE Tundra:
- Christopher Nanemahoo, 34-years old;
- Patrick L’Hirondelle, 29-years old;
- Stuart Kuechle, 36-years old;
- Naitram Ramnarane, 56-years old; and
- Dwayne Dyer, 46-years old.
Dyer is also being charged with firearms-related offences as three firearms inside his home were being unsafely stored.
ICE does not believe the suspects are known to one another, and the investigations do not appear to be connected.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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