COCHRANE, Alta., — Two men have been arrested after Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) executed search warrants on June 10.
In February, Cochrane RCMP CRU began investigating a person suspected of pointing a firearm on Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
Through their investigation, Cochrane CRU confirmed a vehicle associated to the suspect. On June 10, CRU located the unoccupied vehicle outside of a residence. Police gained lawful entry into the residence and identified two people who had recently been using the vehicle. Nathan Matinet, 29, and William Rider, 24, both of Calgary, had outstanding warrants and were arrested. During the arrest, police observed a restricted firearm with a prohibited magazine in the home.
Following the arrest, a search warrant was granted for the residence and the vehicle. Police located and seized the following items:
- A restricted 9mm handgun
- A prohibited extended capacity magazine
- A sawed-off rifle
- 47.7 grams of fentanyl
- 17.8 grams of cocaine
- 10.6 grams of methamphetamine
- One gram of MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy)
Nathan Matinet and William Rider have both been charged with 30 criminal code offences, some of which include:
- Unauthorized possession of a weapon
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking
- Various fail to comply offences
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, both were remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane on June 23.
Cochrane RCMP CRU continues to prioritize the identification, disruption, and enforcement of drug trafficking occurring within Stoney Nakoda First Nation. This seizure will have a significant impact on community safety and harm reduction efforts by reducing the risk of overdose and violence in the community. Cochrane RCMP will continue to work closely with our partners to identify targets and disrupt both drug trafficking networks and individuals involved in violent criminal activity.
