WEYBURN — An Estevan woman who was arrested in September has been sentenced for drug trafficking and other charges.
Krista Mae Grulich, age 45, was sentenced to 24 months in custody Nov. 20 in Weyburn Provincial Court. She had pleaded guilty Nov. 3 in Estevan Provincial Court to one count each of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of a prohibited weapon, being in possession of brass knuckles, and two counts of breaching the conditions of a release order.
A charge of trafficking cocaine and multiple counts of violating the terms of a release order were stayed in early November.
At the time of her pleas, a sentencing hearing was scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026, in Estevan, and she was released with conditions. But Grulich was arrested Nov. 12 and charged with two more counts of violating her release order. She pleaded guilty Nov. 20 to one infraction and another was stayed. The sentencing was pushed up to Nov. 20 after her latest arrest.
As per the terms of a joint sentencing submission, Grulich received a 730-day custodial sentence for the possession for the purpose of trafficking charge. She has spent 34 days in custody, and was given 51 days of remand credit that will be deducted from her sentence, leaving her with 679 days remaining.
She also received 180-day concurrent sentences for the possession of proceeds of crime and the possession of a prohibited weapon charges. Grulich also received a $150 fine for each of the three breach convictions, for a total amount of $450.
Federal prosecutor Kathryn Gilliss told the court that earlier in 2025, the Estevan Police Service was conducting a drug investigation and surveillance into Grulich and a co-accused, Jason Dyck.
“Police did a multitude of surveillance and through that time, noted both the accused and the co-accused making short-duration meets on bicycles throughout the Estevan area. Police believed them to be consistent with drug deals and exchanges,” Gilliss said.
In one instance, Gilliss said Grulich delivered a dime bag of cocaine to an incorrect mailbox. The homeowner called police and the cocaine was seized.
“Police were able to obtain doorbell camera footage of the occurrence and identified Ms. Grulich, as well as an indication that she had attended back to the residence in an attempt to retrieve the drugs that were left in error,” said Gilliss.
On Sept. 4, Gilliss noted a search warrant was obtained and executed at a residence in the 400-block of Fourth Street. During the search, Grulich arrived home and was arrested. The prosecutor noted Grulich had $600 in cash, six dime bags of cocaine, a cellular phone and a pink notebook that appeared to be used for recording drug transactions.
According to Gilliss, a search of the residence turned up the brass knuckles and multiple envelopes with cash. A safe in the basement had additional money in envelopes and a Ziploc bag, along with 32 dime bags of soft cocaine and 25 dime bags of crack cocaine.
The breach conditions were for an unapproved visitor on Oct. 16, possession of alcohol on Oct. 19, and the unlawful possession of a knife for a purpose other than eating or work on Nov. 12.
Gilliss noted Grulich has a criminal record but it is not related to these charges, and with the exception of the last entry, Grulich’s record is quite dated.
But Gilliss added it was a large amount of cash and drugs seized from a residence, and this was a high volume of both drugs and cash that appeared to be circulating in a three or four-day period.
“This is a relatively serious and strict sentence in terms of time for somebody who has a limited record and unrelated record,” said Gilliss.
Gilliss added the breaches, which occurred in a relatively short period of time, gave the Crown further confidence that a conditional sentence order was not appropriate.
Gilliss said there is some quid pro quo with the sentence as well.
Grulich’s defence attorney Joelle Graham noted Grulich is a lifelong resident of Estevan who had a good childhood and was supported by her family. Graham also pointed out Grulich suffered from “very severe” intimate partner violence that led to battles with substance abuse.
Graham added Grulich has good support from her family and the community, and Graham hopes Grulich can access resources she needs to start addressing emotional trauma, so that when Grulich is released, she can have a good start on her sobriety.
In accepting the joint submission, Judge Douglas Kovatch said it is a lengthier sentence, but he views it as appropriate.
“I hope it’s going to be helpful to you in terms of getting counselling and assistance, and making some significant changes in your life,” said Kovatch.
Grulich replied she hoped to take advantage of anything she could to better herself, including college courses.
Dyck’s matters are still before the court. He is charged with one count each of trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000 and resisting arrest. According to the EPS and court information, he attempted to flee a member of the EPS during his arrest.
Dyck’s most recent appearance was Nov. 17 and he is to appear again on Dec. 1. He has been in custody since he was apprehended.
In a news release after the drug bust, the EPS said a search warrant, authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was executed at a residence in the 400-block of Third Street. Police seized over $12,000 in cash, the brass knuckles, and cocaine the EPS said has an estimated street value of $7,000.
