PRINCE ALBERT — A four-week drug trafficking investigation by the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) Crime Reduction Team (CRT) has led to the seizure of almost five kilograms of illicit drugs, two handguns, and more than $72,000 in cash.
Police say their investigation started in April after CRT officers identified a suspect believed to be trafficking drugs in the city. As their investigation widened, police obtained search warrants under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for a vehicle and three homes located on the 500 block of 28th Street East, the 3500 block of 2nd Avenue West, and the 0-100 block of 28th Street West.
During the coordinated enforcement action, officers seized about two kilograms of cocaine (2,767 grams), two kilograms of methamphetamine (1,883 grams), two handguns, an air pistol, and $72,000 CAD.
“This investigation and the resulting seizures reflect the proactive enforcement efforts being carried out by our Service and Crime Reduction Team in partnership with policing agencies across Saskatchewan,” said Chief Patrick Nogier of the Prince Albert Police Service.
“The trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit substances continues to fuel organized crime, violence, addiction, and community harm throughout our province. Those who choose to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals should understand that law enforcement agencies are actively identifying, targeting, and disrupting criminal networks involved in the distribution of illicit drugs and the illegal possession of firearms.”
Community Safety Minister Michael Weger also praised the investigation.
“These results clearly demonstrate the real and measurable impact specialized enforcement teams are having on community safety,” said Weger. “This significant drug seizure highlights how specialized, provincially funded teams are disrupting organized crime networks, removing dangerous drugs from our communities and holding offenders accountable. Our government is proud to invest in these targeted enforcement efforts and remains firmly committed to ensuring law enforcement has the resources needed to keep communities across Saskatchewan safe.”
Ten people were arrested and six were charged.
Three male youths, aged 14, 16, and 17, along with 19-year-old Bryce Mahoney, were each charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, failing to comply with court-imposed conditions, and obstruction.
Two other adults, 25-year-old Perla Sewap, and 22-year-old Daylen Laliberte, were charged with multiple firearms and drug-related offences.
The Prince Albert Police Service Proactive Policing Unit (PPU), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), Patrol members, and the Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Reduction Team also assisted with the investigation.
