RCMP officer concerned after band councillor faces more drug trafficking-related charges

Suicides, overdoses and crime are the impacts of a prescription drug ring on several east-central Saskatchewan communities, including three different First Nations.

RCMP charged more than 20 people in January for drug trafficking, including Key First Nation band councillor Gerald Papequash who now faces additional charges of identity theft.

Sgt. James Morton is working on the case and says they've been trying to discuss the issue with First Nation's organizations.

“On that end of it, it's been very difficult,” said Morton, adding that the next step is to hold a town meeting on the Key and Cote First Nations.

“Hopefully we can find some solutions. It takes a whole community to come together to make any real changes.”

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Morton says that needs to happen soon, because emergency rooms in Yorkton and Kamsack are being swamped with addicts.

“When you take that many dealers off the street, the addicts still need to get their fix. It's tough on everybody because waiting rooms, the doctor's office; everybody is trying to get into the hospital, so it affects everybody.”

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