On Jan. 14, 2026, shortly after 1 p.m., Athabasca RCMP conducted a proactive traffic stop in the County of Athabasca, which resulted the arrest of an adult male, and the seizure of illicit drugs and firearms.

Athabasca RCMP observed a motor vehicle travelling on Highway 827 near Township Road 663 exhibiting concerning driving behaviours. Police officers subsequently initiated a traffic stop for the traffic safety concerns, and to check the sobriety of the driver. The officers conducted a Mandatory Alcohol Screening demand, which confirmed the presence alcohol in the driver’s system, though not at criminal levels. Due to a heightened level of impairment observed by the officers, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) from Boyle RCMP Traffic Unit, was requested to assist with the investigation.

As the investigation progressed, officers located contraband within the vehicle, including suspected methamphetamine, suspected cocaine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), two loaded shotguns, one of which was confirmed to be stolen, an imitation handgun, ammunition, and edged weapons.

The driver was arrested for multiple offences at the scene, for outstanding warrants of arrest, and later subjected to a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation. Charges related to impaired driving by drugs are pending laboratory analysis, and the investigation remains ongoing.

As a result of the investigation, Mitchell Kemp, (34), a resident of Westlock, Alta., is currently facing 18 charges including:

• possession of a stolen firearm;

• unsafe storage of firearm;

• possession of property obtained by crime; and

• possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Kemp was remanded into custody and will be appearing by CCTV in the Alberta Court of Justice in St. Albert, on Jan. 19, 2026.

“This investigation highlights the importance of proactive traffic enforcement,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Hall, Detachment Commander of the Athabasca RCMP. “What begins as a traffic stop focused on road safety, can quickly uncover serious criminal activity. These proactive policing efforts directly support crime reduction, and enhance the safety of our communities.”