Semi-automatic rifle found by city police after Calgary pair comes to collect drug debt

By Medicine Hat News on July 4, 2017.

This semi-automatic rifle was among the items found by Medicine Hat police during an investigation into a break and enter over a drug debt on Canada Day. --Submitted photo MHPS

Two Calgary residents who came to Medicine Hat to collect a drug debt on Canada are facing weapon and drug charges.

Medicine Hat police say that in the early morning hours of July 1 the pair forced their way into a home in the 800 block of Eighth Street N.W. After being called to the house, police located the two individuals involved, Maxime Phillippe and Sahra Johnson, and took them into custody. Phillippe is accused of showing a firearm in his attempt to collect the drug debt.

Subsequent to the arrest, Phillippe was found to be in possession of what police believe to be an ounce of methamphetamine, brass knuckles and a knife. Johnson was also carrying brass knuckles. A search of a vehicles associated with the pair uncovered a semi-automatic rifle and ammunition.

Philippe has been charged with PPT methamphetamine, uttering threats, use of a firearm in commission of an offence, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of unauthorized body armour and possession of a prohibited weapon and mischief. Bail for Phillippe was set at a $5,000 cash recognizance, and a court date of July 12 was set.

Johnson is charged with assault, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a concealed weapon. Johnson was released on a $3,000 no-cash recognizance. Johnson’s court date is also July 12.

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