‘This community has seen far too many incidents involving drugs’: Project Norse case concludes

The investigation

The investigation, known as Project Norse, was initiated in the summer of 2019, and lasted nearly seven months. A combined effort between police in Prince Albert and Saskatoon, as well as the RCMP, the investigation was focused on the activities of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, specifically the group known as the Freewheelers as both Markowski and Glover were identified as full patch members.

In addition to several guns and six vehicles, over $300,000 worth of cash and drugs were seized including 33 cannabis plants, over 9,000 grams of cannabis buds, 2,141 individually packaged cannabis byproducts, and nearly 600 grams of cocaine which amounted to an estimated 1,200 personal uses.

The investigation also revealed the marijuana was being grown under a valid Health Canada medical licence and then was diverted onto the black market for re-sale. Over a dozen homes were searched as a result of the police investigation.

Ward explained to paNOW there was no evidence in the investigation to show how much, if any, benefit the Freewheelers received from the sale of the drugs. She added that while the gang was the focus of the investigation at the beginning, once it was learned that Fietz, Markowski and Glover were the ones directing the operations, the investion shifted to them and their associates.

Prince Albert Police Inspector Craig Mushka shows the results of Project Norse. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Drug transaction discussions

Over the course of their investigation, police used wire taps and vehicle tracers on a number of vehicles. On Dec. 6, 2019, Fietz was overheard telling Glover he needed “another two tomorrow”, alluding to two pounds of cannabis. The following day, Glover travelled to Korte’s residence, and left with a bag believed to be containing cannabis, and then Glover and Fietz arranged to meet the next morning.

The following day Glover travelled to a business on 15th St. E. and in the parking lot area, gave Fietz an “Amazon box”. Fietz was soon after stopped by police and just over two pounds of cannabis was found inside the box. Glover’s left thumb print was found on one of the bags during the forensic analysis.

Defence arguments and a scolding from the judge

Defence lawter Peter Abrametz Jr,. describe his client as an educated man, who worked as an iron worker. While initially from the United Kingdom, Glover was living in Prince Albert, and if he had received a custodial sentence of six months or more, would have possibly faced deportation.

When given the opportunity to speak in court, Glover said he was “really embarrassed by his actions” and told Judge Healey he had changed his circle of friends and had moved on with his life.

While accepting the joint submission presented to him, and noting the lack of a criminal record, Judge Healey informed Glover the sentence he received was considered to be on the low end for the possible range.

“I’d be sending you to real jail for a significant period of time,” he said.

Healey then cautioned Glover that he should he appear in court again on similar charges, the sentence next time would be much stiffer.

“This community has seen far too many incidents involving drugs,” he said. “You were clearly aware what was going on.”

The co-accused and sentencing

In total, 11 people were charged in relation to the case but the Crown stayed the charges for both Rhonda Brown and Kaitlyn Schinold based on the willingness of others to enter guilty pleas.

Brody Markowski and Alexander Fietz were sentenced in February. Markowski received a three-and-a-half year sentence, while Fietz received a three-year sentence for his part

Warren Kreger, 40, also received a three-year sentence after entering guilty pleas to trafficking cocaine, as well as possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Mirandeau Parenteau, Markowski’s half-sister, received a two-and-a-half year sentence at a separate hearing last March.

Curtis Brown, 52, was sentenced last October after entering guilty pleas related to the possession and distribution of cannabis in excess of 30 grams. He received a six month conditional order to be followed by an 18-month probationary period.

In turn, Destiny Gunville, 21, received an 18-month suspended sentence, while Tyler Korte, 32, and Josh Herron, 21, both received conditional sentence orders, meaning as long as they don’t breach, they can serve their sentences in the community.

–

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

‘This community has seen far too many incidents involving drugs’: Project Norse case concludes

What's Trending