Two men were taken into custody after a drug bust in Okotoks on Wednesday. The arrests were a result of a search warrant executed by Okotoks RCMP general investigation section and crime reduction units.
Two men were taken into custody after a drug bust in Okotoks on Wednesday.
The arrests were a result of a search warrant executed by Okotoks RCMP general investigation section and crime reduction units. Investigators found just over one ounce of cocaine, 30 grams of marijuana and more than $5,000 cash.
Ricky Kwong, 42, and Phillip Kirby, 43, were arrested in their rental home on Woodglen Place on Aug. 15. They have each been charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of a controlled substance and once count of possession of proceeds of crime.
Neighbours said the RCMP acted quickly and professionally during the raid.
“They were waving at us back with their hands as they approached the house and they had the street blocked off,” said Tanya Pittman.
She said she noticed the commotion when an officer with a dog and one with an assault rifle walked down the pathway near her home. Two police cars and one unmarked vehicle were parked outside the house and two cars were parked at the entrance to the cul-de-sac to ward off outside traffic, she said.
After hearing three blows from a battering ram, Pittman said the door broke open.
“Then there was a bunch of screaming and yelling and then all of the sudden all the cops were out of the cars and they were all in the house,” said Pittman. “They came out with the two guys in handcuffs, one and then the other a while later.”
Gerry Gusdal lives across the street from the accused and said he was impressed with how the situation was handled. There was no need to fear for safety, he said.
He said it was like watching a bust on TV, right across the street. The officers were yelling, “Police, search warrant,’ as they approached the home before going inside and making the arrests, he said.
“The police did a marvelous job – fast, quick,” said Gusdal. “Really professionally done.”
Both men have been released and are scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on Oct. 6.
Police are asking anyone with information related to these occurrences or other to call the Okotoks Detachment at 403-938-4202 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.tipsubmit.ca.
