Chief Jonathan Bergen of the Prince Albert Police announcing the largest drug bust in the service's history. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Crime

Four arrested, one warrant out as P.A. police make biggest drug bust in city’s history

Mar 20, 2023 | 4:33 PM

Four people have been arrested and charged while a fifth has a warrant out for his arrest after Prince Albert police completed the largest drug bust in the force’s history.

Chief Jonathan Bergen said Monday afternoon that 31.2 kilograms of cocaine were found in a trailer home north of Prince Albert along with $55,000 in cash.

Along with the drugs and cash, police found a cutting agent, gun parts, ammunition, and “drug paraphernalia consistent with a large-scale drug trafficking operation.”

Prince Albert Police seized suspected cocaine and $55,000 cash after the biggest drug bust in the service’s history on March 16. (submitted/PAPS)

The impact will be felt beyond the local community, said police, as this would likely have supplied remote areas.

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“It is going to reach far beyond Prince Albert. How far that reach is? It’s hard to say,” said Bergen.

The estimated value of the cocaine is between $1.5 million to $4 million, depending on where it would be sold and the local prices.

Gordon Greer-Vandale, 30, of Prince Albert and Jim Lakatos, 34, of North Battleford have both been charged with trafficking, possessing proceeds of crime over $5,000, having banned ammunition, and breaching release orders.

Greer-Vandale is back in court on Thursday, Mar. 23.

Santana Foulds, 27, of Saskatoon, and Spencer Evans, 27, of North Battleford, have the same charges except for the breach of a sentencing order.

Evans and Foulds will both be back in Prince Albert Court on Mar. 23 for their next appearances.

Police are still looking for 31-year-old Dean Marchand of Saskatoon who is facing the same charges.

Meanwhile, the investigation was led by the Crime Reduction team who also worked with the RCMP. Police from Saskatoon and Regina were also part of the investigation.

There are seven members on the CRT, which is also tasked to work with other agencies during its investigations and even extends into both Manitoba and Alberta.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com