Explosive device, drug paraphernalia found during Sherwood Park traffic stop, man charged

RCMP seized and improvised explosive device during a traffic stop in Sherwood Park on April 7, 2026. (Supplied)

Mounties have charged a 36-year-old man after finding an improvised explosive device, weapons and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in Sherwood Park.

Officers conducted a license plate query on a Buick Verano in a parking lot off Pembina Road and Broadmoor Boulevard around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The query determined the plate was not a match to the Buick, prompting officers to conduct a traffic stop.

While the stop was in progress, one Mountie noticed bear mace inside the vehicle, and that the driver was attempting to conceal a knife.

The male driver was arrested and a vehicle search found drug paraphernalia and an improvised explosive device (IED).

As a result, the immediate area, including a gas station, was evacuated and the explosives disposal unit was called to investigate.

After the IED was tested, it was determined the contents were energetic, but the battery was not connected.

The 36-year-old resident of Strathcona County faces several charges:

• possession of a weapon contrary to an order (x3);
• possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (x2);
• possession of an explosive;
• failure to comply with a drug demand;
• impaired operation of a motor vehicle;
• possession for the purpose of trafficking; and
• resisting a peace officer.

The man was remanded into custody and is to appear in court on April 22.