The Leduc RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (LCRU) has laid charges against two males following an investigation into a fraudulent purchase of an SUV in Leduc, Alta.

Leduc RCMP received a report on Jan. 4, 2023, that two males purchased an SUV at a local dealership using a fraudulent bank draft before reselling it in Edmonton, Alta.

With assistance of the Leduc RCMP General Investigation Unit and Drug Unit, the LCRU identified two suspects and executed a search warrant at an Edmonton residence on Feb. 2, 2023.

A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of:

• A loaded handgun;

• Fraudulent bank drafts;

• Stolen identity documents;

• Fraudulent identity documents;

• 63.3 grams of methamphetamine;

• 328 rounds of 9mm ammunition;

• 243 rounds of shot gun ammunition;

• Numerous documents related to fraud;

• And a bill of sale for the SUV.

As a result of the investigation Michel Terrence Lalande, 36, a resident of Edmonton and Justin Robert Paul, 40, a resident of Whitecourt, Alta., are facing multiple charges.

Lalande was charged with:

• Fraud over $5,000 (x2);

• Possession of identity documents;

• Identity fraud;

• Unsafe storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a weapon contrary to order;

• Utter forged document (x2);

• And possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine.

Following a judicial hearing Lalande was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Leduc provincial court on March 2, 2023.

Paul was charged with a count of fraud over $5,000 and utter forged document. He was not located and Leduc RCMP have been unsuccessful in finding him. A warrant for Paul’s arrest has been obtained and police are requesting public assistance for any information on his whereabouts.

Paul is described as five-feet-nine-inches tall, 130 lbs, and has black hair and brown eyes.