After an investigation that began in December 2022 by the Olds RCMP, Lyle Andrus, a 60-year-old Bowden man was arrested on February 2, 2023, on multiple weapons and drugs charges.

According to police, in December of last year, the RCMP started an investigation into a man selling drugs from a business in Olds.

"Olds RCMP with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, RCMP Police Dog Section, Southern Alberta District General Investigative Section, Alberta RCMP Interview Team and Didsbury Detachment executed search warrants at a business in Olds as well as a residence in Bowden," a police press release stated.

 As a result of both searches RCMP seized:

·         77 grams of suspected Cocaine Methamphetamine

·         69 grams of suspected Fentanyl

·         2.5 grams of suspected Heroin

·         1,354.75 grams of Cannabis

·         10 grams of Cannabis resin

·         Small amounts of Metronidazole, Adderall, Codeine, Lyrica, Cyclobenzaprine, Lorazepam, Hydro Morphine, LSD

·         18 grams of Psilocybin

·         1 Shotgun

·         1 replica firearm

·         8 Pellet guns

·         A taser device

·         60 assorted edged weapons

Andrus was charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, four counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon, as well as two counts of offences under the Cannabis Act.

Staff Sergeant Warren Wright, Detachment Commander Olds RCMP, said that there were concerns that drug activity has gone up in the community with two recent drug seizures.

"Drug activity has not gone up but rather RCMP have successfully concluded 2 drug investigations resulting in local residents being charged with offences as well as large seizures of drugs and weapons. The RCMP are working very hard to ensure that community safety,” he said.

Andrus was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on bail. His next court appearance is set for March 6 at Didsbury Provincial Court.

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