The Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit and Wetaskiwin General Investigation Section executed a search warrant on a Wetaskiwin residence Nov. 30, resulting in the seizure of firearms and drugs.
During the search warrant police seized four firearms, including a home-made handgun, a large quantity of drugs, a variety of ammunition, a battering ram, body armour, hatchets, knives, machetes and two stolen passports.
As a result of the search two Wetaskiwin residents were charged with multiple offences.
Marwan Tabet, 58, of Wetaskiwin was charged with:
• Possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized;
• Careless use of a firearm;
• Failure to comply with a release order x2;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition without a license;
• Possession of a break-in instrument;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Possession of body armour without a license.
Lester Acorn, 37, was charged with:
• Possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized;
• Careless use of a firearm;
• Failure to comply with a release order;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to order;
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000;
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of body armour without license.
Both Tabet and Acorn were taken before a Justice of the Peace and have been remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on Dec. 20, 2022.