RCMP seize drugs, 3D-printed guns in Stoney Nakoda traffic stop, 3 charged

Cochrane RCMP have laid charges against three people after a traffic stop led officers to believe the group was trafficking drugs.

Police say at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, officers stopped a GMC Yukon on Stoney Nakoda First Nation and found a significant amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

RCMP say a 3D printer, 3D-printed gun parts, evidence linking the vehicle occupants to a recent break-and-enter in Cochrane, and evidence of fentanyl drug trafficking were found in the SUV.

Calgary resident Steven Mathew Hewitt, 44, is now facing several charges, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of ammunition while prohibited, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and three counts of fail to comply with a probation order. He was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Christopher Hooge, 35, also from Calgary, was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition while prohibited, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and six counts of fail to comply with a release order. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 21.

Twenty-four-year-old Savannah Ritcher of Airdrie has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime. She is set to make her next court appearance on Feb. 4.