PRINCE ALBERT — Saskatchewan RCMP has arrested and charged three individuals following two separate drone-related drug trafficking investigations in Prince Albert.
“Saskatchewan RCMP ensured these harmful drugs couldn’t enter a federal institution – where they’re just as dangerous as they are on the street,” says S/Sgt. Éric Desfossés, Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams’ (SERT) north region manager.
“These investigations are great examples of how specialized units and frontline RCMP officers are working side-by-side to combat drug trafficking, wherever and however it’s occurring.”
In early July, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) received a report of a potential delivery of drugs to the Saskatchewan Penitentiary by drone.
On July 9, officers with Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert CRT, Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Rosthern Detachment executed a search warrant at a residence in Laird in relation to the investigation.
Officers located and seized: approximately 172 grams of methamphetamine; 112 grams of cannabis concentrate, also known as shatter; a drone; a laptop; and cell phones.
Two adult males and two adult females were arrested at the residence.
As a result of investigation, a 36-year-old woman from Laird is charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine.
The two adult males and an adult female were released without charges.
On July 13, Prince Albert RCMP received a report that a drone, originating from a vehicle, had dropped a package within the grounds of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.
Officers responded immediately, located the suspect vehicle on Lincoln Park Road and initiated a traffic stop. The adult female driver and adult male passenger were arrested.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized a drone and cell phones.
Following further investigation, officers recovered a second drone that had crashed near the penitentiary and a package that had been dropped within the grounds. Officers seized approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine and 30 grams of cannabis concentrate.
A 31-year-old female from Garson Lake and a 38-year-old male from Biggar are each charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine;
- one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system without holding a valid pilot certificate;
- one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in controlled airspace without authorization from the appropriate air traffic control unit; and
- one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system over the security perimeter of an emergency operation without authorization.
