Man, youth, facing multiple drug and weapon charges

We have charged a man and a teen with multiple drug and weapon offences following a traffic stop last weekend.

Just before 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, police pulled over a vehicle near the intersection of 17 Avenue S.W and Fifth Street S.W. A 40-year-old man was driving with a 16-year-old female passenger

The man had no licence, and officers observed an open alcohol container in the vehicle.  

A subsequent search of the vehicle found a loaded shotgun, knives, pepper spray, $4,650 in cash, as well as nearly $10,000 worth of illegal drugs.

Matthew Christian BENNETT, 40, of Calgary, is charged with:

-       Six counts of possession of a weapon, contrary to a prohibition order

-       Four counts of carrying a concealed weapon

-       Three counts of possession of an imitation firearm for a dangerous purpose

-       Three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

-       One count of careless storage of a firearm

-       One count of possession of property obtained by crime, under $5,000

-       One count of possession of a loaded, restricted firearm

-       One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle

-       One count knowing possession of an unlicensed weapon

A 16-year-old female is charged with:

-       Four counts of carrying a concealed weapon

-       Three counts of failing to comply

-       Three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

-       Three counts of possession of an imitation firearm

-       One count of careless storage of a firearm

-       One count of knowing possession of an unlicensed weapon

-       One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle

-       One count of possession of a loaded restricted/prohibited firearm

-       One count of possession of an identity document

-       One count of possession of property obtained by crime, under $5,000

Matthew BENNETT is currently in custody and will next appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

The youth has been released on bail and will next appear in court on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

“In this case, we have someone putting not only a youth at risk but members of the public as well,” said Inspector Jason Bobrowich. “We remain relentless in our commitment to getting drugs and weapons off of the streets of downtown Calgary.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case # CA26014318/5375/6040