In recent weeks, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) uncovered information about illegal firearms being stored at a property in Darwell, AB.
On June 11, 2020, the EPS, with the assistance of the RCMP Parkland Detachment, executed two search warrants at addresses in Wabamun, AB and Darwell AB.
As a result of this investigation, police seized a .45-calibre loaded stolen handgun, three loaded magazines and three ounces of methamphetamine.
James William Kosik, 32, faces nine charges:
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
- Possession of restricted firearm with ammunition
- Possession of weapon obtained by crime
- possession contrary to prohibition order (x3)
- fail to comply with release order (x2)
- possession for the purposes of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
“The safe and successful conclusion of this investigation was the result of cooperation between numerous EPS and RCMP teams, including EPS Surveillance, EPS Flight Ops, RCMP Parkland Detachment, RCMP Emergency Response Team, RCMP Bomb Squad, RCMP RPACT and RCMP Air Services,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart, with the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit.
The EPS Firearms Investigation Unit was developed in 2019 as part of the EPS’ Gun Crime Violence Reduction Strategy. FIU is mandated to reduce gun crime and community harm by investigating individuals, gangs and organized crime groups involved in, but not limited to, the illegal possession, use, altering, trafficking and manufacturing of firearms.