Police charge two people with weapons and drug offences

Lethbridge Police have charged a male and female with numerous weapons and drug offences after seizing loaded firearms from a vehicle and westside home.

On April 17, police initiated an investigation into a male believed to be illegally possessing firearms. As the investigation progressed, the male and a female were observed in a vehicle engaging in activity consistent with drug trafficking. Due to the increased risk as a result of the possible presence of firearms, members of the Critical Incident Team were called out and the subjects were arrested without incident in the alley behind Mt Rundle Boulevard. 

A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest, resulted in the seizure of a loaded Sten submachine gun with a suppressor, a loaded sawed-off 12-guage shotgun, approximately 210 grams of methamphetamine, 158 grams of cocaine, 160 synthetic opiate pills and nearly $1,400 cash.

A further search warrant was obtained for a residence along Mt Rundle Boulevard, and police seized an additional loaded, sawed-off 12-guage shotgun, a sawed off .22 Rutger rifle and significant quantities of handgun and shotgun ammunition. 

Vance Elton Rocky Roger Pidborochynski, 36, and Shelby Lee Filkowski, 30, both of Lethbridge, are charged with:

• Possession of Weapon For Dangerous Purpose x4
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm x4
• Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession Is Unauthorized x4
• Careless Use of Firearm x4
• Possession of Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence x4
• Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition x3
• Unauthorized Possession In Motor Vehicle x2
• Tampering With Serial Number
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x3

Pidborochynski and Filkowski were remanded in custody to appear in court today.