A gang member familiar to Kelowna law enforcement has been arrested in Alberta.
Cory James Lesperance, 29, who recently called Lake Country home, is a member of the Red Scorpions and alleged to be at the centre of a drug trafficking network operating in Alberta.
According to a press release from Mounties in Red Deer, Alta, Lesperance faces a total of 14 drug and weapons related charges following the execution of a search warrant by Red Deer RCMP, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team , Calgary Police Services, and Airdrie RCMP members executed the search warrants on July 23.
“Lesperance was arrested at a residence in the Balmoral Heights neighbourhood just outside Red Deer city limits, where two firearms were found, along with a large amount of drugs,” reads the press release.
“Lesperance is currently bound by two firearm prohibitions and a recognizance order stemming from a previous drug and weapons investigation in November 2013.”
Three Red Scorpions associates were also arrested in the search warrants: Robin Joseph Stewart, 52, faces eight charges; Nicholas David James White, 21, faces six charges and Amber McLeod, 23, faces four charges. Additional charges and arrests may also be forthcoming.
In addition to the Red Deer County home, search warrants were executed at a Calgary home in the Thorncliffe neighbourhood and a home in Airdire’s Channelside area. The search warrants were executed by RCMP “K” Division Emergency Response Team and CPS Tactical team.
The search warrants yielded a number of firearms and drugs, including:
• 512 grams of methamphetamine
• 517 grams of cocaine
• 52 grams of heroin
• 264 grams of marihuana
• 80 grams of psilocybin
• 13 vials equaling 130 milliliters of anabolic steroids
• A cocaine conversion lab
• Scales, packaging, and other drug paraphernalia
• Loaded semi-automatic handgun
• Stolen shotgun with ammunition
• 3 replica handguns
• $8,955 cash proceeds of crime and two vehicles
Members of the public who have concern about gang activity in their community can contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
