Two people were arrested on Thursday night in connection with the latest drug bust in the city.
As part of an ongoing drug investigation, members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) patrol division, the EPS Contained Warrant Entry Team (CWET) and the Estevan Drug Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment unit in northeast Estevan.
One man from Estevan was arrested for trafficking cocaine. His name will be released when charges are laid.
Another man from Estevan has been charged for possessing what police Chief Paul Ladouceur described as “a small amount of marijuana.” Since it is a summary offence, police will not be releasing his name.
Both cocaine and marijuana were seized in the drug bust. Ladouceur said he couldn’t reveal the amount seized since the investigation is still ongoing.
“It was certainly a successful outcome from an investigation,” said Ladouceur. “This goes along with what we have said for a long period of time now, that we’re going to continue to combat drugs within the city.
“We’re certainly well aware that they exist in the city and we want to send a strong message to people who are either using illegal drugs, or trafficking in illegal drugs in this community, that it’s not welcome and it won’t be tolerated.”
These investigations can often take weeks or months before they result in charges, he said.
“Our police service is certainly getting a good handle on what’s going on in the community,” said Ladouceur. “We’re getting a lot of intelligence in relation to drug trafficking and drug use … which is a good thing.”
Last week’s drug bust marked the second time the CWET unit has been deployed. The first instance came several months ago, during a drug bust in which nearly a kilogram of cocaine and almost $70,000 in cash were seized.
Ladouceur said CWET members have been undergoing extensive training, so they haven’t been used extensively thus far.
“They’re up and running now, and will be utilized much more frequently when it comes to executing search warrants or responding to emergency situations within the city that have a potential risk to public safety,” said Ladouceur.
If members of the public have information that will help the police with their ongoing fight against drugs, then Ladouceur encourages them to step forward.
