PELICAN NARROWS - Saskatchewan RCMP recently seized a number of illicit drugs and firearms in raids in Pelican Narrows.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Pelican Narrows Detachment recently conducted a series of enforcement activities to combat gang activity and remove illicit drugs and firearms from Pelican Narrows, a community part of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
On Jan. 21, RCMP officers from the Prince Albert CRT, Pelican Narrows Detachment and executed search warrants at four residences in Pelican Narrows in relation to ongoing drug and firearms trafficking investigations.
Overall, officers located and seized four illegal firearms at multiple homes - two replica firearms, 94 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a small amount of methamphetamine and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
In total, 31 people were arrested – four suspects are facing charges and 27 individuals were released without charges. The investigation continues.
Illicit drugs and firearms seized, four suspects charged
RCMP officers arrested three men and four women while executing a search warrant at a residence on McKay Street in Pelican Narrows on Jan. 21.
While searching the residence, officers located and seized:
- 94 grams of crack cocaine;
- 13 grams of cocaine;
- a loaded handgun, which was later determined to be stolen;
- more than $38,000 in cash; and
- additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result of investigation, a 23-year-old man, from Mississauga, Ont., is charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine;
- one count, possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammo without licence/registration;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, unsafe storage of a firearms;
- one count, using firearm in the commission of an offence – while committing offence; and
- one count, possession of weapon obtained by crime.
Six individuals were released without charges.
Officers arrested six men and six women while executing a search warrant at a residence on Wood Crescent in Pelican Narrows on Jan. 21.
While searching the residence, officers located and seized:
- a small amount of methamphetamine;
- additional drug trafficking paraphernalia;
- two replica firearms; and
- an edged weapon.
As a result of the investigation, a 35-year-old woman, from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine; and
- one count, using imitation firearm in the commission of an offence – while committing offence.
Eleven individuals were released without charges.
Officers arrested six men and six women while executing search warrants at two residences on Chachakew Place in Pelican Narrows on Jan. 21.
During the arrests, officers located and seized:
- three firearms (a rifle, a shotgun, and a zip gun);
- ammunition;
- a small amount of methamphetamine; and
- additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old woman, from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, tampering with serial number of firearm; and
- one count; unsafe storage of firearms.
An 18-year-old man, from Pelican Narrows, is charged with:
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, unsafe storage of firearms;
- one count, careless use of a firearm;
- one count, possession of a prohibited firearm; and
- one count, carry a concealed weapon.
Ten individuals were released without charges.
The suspects made their first appearance in Pelican Narrows Provincial Court on Jan. 22.
Upholding community safety
“These seizures and arrests are examples of how targeted enforcement can take dangerous drugs and weapons out of a community,” said Sgt. Toby Martin, Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams’ (SERT) north region acting manager, in the news release.
“By working together with RCMP officers from the Pelican Narrows Detachment and a specialized unit like the Critical Incident Response Team, the Prince Albert CRT helps make Pelican Narrows a safer place for those who call it home.”
The Prince Albert CRT is part of Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT. Aiming to curb criminal activity, the Prince Albert CRT conducts targeted enforcement activities informed by intelligence, evidence-based policing, analysis of community crime trends and in consultation with local leadership.
"On behalf of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership, I commend the RCMP for their action and specialized enforcement in Pelican Narrows," said Councillor Olivia Custer of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
“The presence of dangerous drugs has had a devastating impact on the health and safety of our community. Our members have expressed their gratitude for this important step toward making our community safer, especially for our children and Elders. We remain committed to working together to ensure the well-being of our people.”
