A 26-year-old Canmore man has been charged with multiple firearms offenses and a drug trafficking charge following a joint investigation by the Canmore and Banff RCMP.

Austin Clark Desylva, 26, has been charged with 20 weapon offenses, pointing a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime.

On Feb. 2, Canmore RCMP and Banff RCMP began an investigation into an incident that occurred in December 2022 of unlawful possession of a firearm. As a result of a joint investigation,  RCMP officers with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Silvertip area of Canmore on Feb. 4. 

The RCMP seized three shotguns, two of which were loaded, two loaded handguns, several rounds of ammunition, 260g of suspected cocaine, and $800 in Canadian currency during the search.

“Canmore and Banff detachments worked in close collaboration to bring this investigation to its successful resolution, “ states SSgt Ryan Singleton, detachment commander of Canmore RCMP, “Our ability to share intelligence, and resources during important investigations significantly increases the quality of service to our communities.”

Three other Canmore male residents, ages 36 to 45, were also taken into custody and released on recognizance.