October 21, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Two men from Calgary are facing multiple charges related to firearms, drugs, and stolen property following a months-long investigation by the Calgary Police Service (CPS).
The investigation, led by CPS’s Gun Violence Enforcement Team (GVET), began in August when officers started tracking a suspect believed to be involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs, firearms, and stolen goods.
As part of their surveillance, investigators observed the suspect visiting a southeast Calgary storage and RV lot and meeting with another man, who was already under investigation by District 8 for social disorder issues linked to a home in the Rangeview area.
Earlier this month, police executed search warrants at two homes in southeast Calgary and a storage unit connected to the suspects.
At a residence on Seton Circle SE, officers seized several firearms, including a loaded Ranger Repeater .22 caliber rifle, a snub-nose revolver, a loaded Ruger Mark II .22 caliber handgun, a disassembled Colt 1911 handgun, a musket, and a sawed-off Browning .243 caliber rifle. Ammunition and 13.5 grams of methamphetamine were also recovered.
A separate search at a home on Lavender Road SE and a storage unit on 114 Avenue SE turned up over 50 pieces of stolen ID, garage door openers, key fobs, and numerous stolen tools.
“We continue to be concerned about gun violence in our city,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Gow of CPS’s Organized Crime Unit. “Removing firearms from the streets remains a top priority for our Gun Violence Enforcement Team.”
John Werstroh, 31, has been charged with multiple offences, including four counts of possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of stolen property over $5,000. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on October 24.
Ryan Bantugan, 41, is also facing several charges, including carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, break and enter, and possession of a controlled substance. He has been released with conditions and is due in court on October 28.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact CPS at 403-266-1234 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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