After police cordoned off an area in Lloydminster on Thursday, Feb. 13, charges are being laid against a suspect. Police are also concerned about the public posting to social media while members are actively on the job.
Lloydminster RCMP executed a search warrant as part of a firearms trafficking investigation with help from the police dog service at a home on 49 Avenue.
Police seized a shotgun and magazine, along with a small quantity of methamphetamine and unstamped tobacco.
Lloydminster RCMP arrested 18-year-old Zach Gayton of Lloydminster and charged him with:
- Weapons trafficking
- Unsafe storage of firearms
- Possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a forged document
Zach Gayton was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is scheduled to return to Lloydminster, Saskatchewan Provincial Court on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Lloydminster RCMP remind you that posting photos or videos of police on social media in real-time can have unintended consequences, including for police officers and public safety.
If police are engaged in a tactical operation, broadcasting their location or movements could put officers and civilians in danger. Suspects might use social media to track police actions and evade capture.
Compromising Ongoing Operations – If law enforcement is handling a sensitive situation like a hostage rescue or a raid, revealing their positions or strategies could jeopardize the mission.
Misinformation and Panic – Without full context, images or videos can be misinterpreted, spreading false narratives that might escalate tensions or lead to unnecessary panic.
Evidence Integrity – If a police action is related to an ongoing investigation, public posts might affect witness testimonies or even be used as evidence in court, potentially influencing the outcome of legal proceedings.
If you have any information regarding criminal activity in your neighbourhood, including trafficking of drugs or firearms, please contact the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400.
