Two people are facing a lengthy list of charges after Battlefords RCMP seized a loaded semi-automatic firearm, drugs and other prohibited items during a traffic stop last week.
On June 17 around 11:30 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of 100 Street and 15th Avenue when they spotted a vehicle with a licence plate that didn’t match its make or model. Police pulled the vehicle over and arrested the driver, who did not have a valid licence.
During the subsequent investigation, RCMP say officers found a loaded semi-automatic firearm, prohibited loaded magazine, a large sword, body armour, a quantity of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia inside the vehicle. They also seized small amounts of cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, illicit cannabis, unstamped tobacco, and dozens of unidentified pills resembling pharmaceuticals.
The driver and passenger were both arrested at the scene.
Steven Soucy, 36, of Alberta, and Katherine Thunderblanket, 29, of North Battleford are each charged with over a dozen offences, including multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and possession of prohibited devices.
Soucy faces additional charges related to driving while prohibited and possessing firearms while under prohibition orders.
Both accused have been remanded in custody and appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Monday.
RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.