PEESANE — Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and the Prince Albert Police Service Crime Reduction Team seized more than 3.9 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine and six firearms during a drug trafficking investigation in central Saskatchewan.
On Dec. 9, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert CRT and Prince Albert Police Service CRT — with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team — executed a search warrant at a residence in Peesane as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
During the search warrant execution, officers located and seized 3.9 kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, two sawed-off firearms, a semi-automatic long gun, an assault-style firearm, ammunition, drug trafficking paraphernalia and $50,000 in cash.
Subsequently, officers with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert CRT and Prince Albert Police Service CRT arrested a male at a business on 2 Avenue West in Prince Albert. Officers searched the male’s vehicle and found an additional 183 grams of crack cocaine, 93 grams of cocaine, 56 grams of methylenedioxyamphetamine (also called ecstasy), 21 grams of methamphetamine and a second loaded handgun. The items were seized by police.
As a result of continued investigation, a 29-year-old Tisdale man is charged with:
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one count, careless use of a firearm
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six counts, unsafe storage of a firearm
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one count, possession of a firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle
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three counts, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized
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five counts, possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence/registration
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one count, possession of a firearm with tampered serial number
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four counts, weapons possession contrary to order
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one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
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one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
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one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
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one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methylenedioxyamphetamine
The accused appeared in Melfort Provincial Court on Dec. 11.
“This investigation highlights the strength and importance of working together,” said Insp. Craig Mushka, the Inspector in charge of Support Services for the Prince Albert Police Service. “The partnership between the Prince Albert Police Service and the RCMP Crime Reduction Teams demonstrates that illegal drug and firearm activity doesn’t stop at jurisdictional lines. Through excellent teamwork and the seamless sharing of intelligence, our officers disrupted significant criminal activity involving the trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms and illicit cash. The results of this investigation speak to the strength of our collaboration and the dedication of the members on these teams. Their coordinated efforts have made a meaningful impact on public safety in our community and the surrounding region.”
S/Sgt. Éric Desfossés, the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team’s north district manager, who oversees the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert CRT, agreed.
“Crime doesn’t stop at borders — and neither does our police response,” said Desfossés. “In this case, by working shoulder-to-shoulder with Prince Albert Police Service, we seized significant amounts of illicit drugs and firearms, while also holding an individual accountable. It’s through our joint efforts that we best protect our communities.”
