‘We are not going to solve this by just having drug raids’: Prince Albert bust nets over 4kg of cocaine and meth

“We are not going to solve this by just having drug raids. We are going to solve this by being more connected as a community,” he said, adding the community plays a major role in investigations by reporting suspicious activity.

On May 21, search warrants were executed at homes in the 500 block of 28th Street East and at Bryant Place apartments, as well as at a hotel room in the 3500 block of Second Avenue West.

Officers seized more than two kilograms of cocaine (2,767 grams) and nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine (1,883 grams). They also found two handguns and more than $72,000 in Canadian currency.

According to information shared during a bail hearing Wednesday, more than $50,000 was located in a box left on a bed in the hotel room.

In total, three adults and three youths have been charged. Inspector Craig Mushka said the alleged leader of the operation was selling drugs in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Cumberland House.

The items seized by police were laid out on a table. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Nogier also referenced a recent large drug bust in Manitoba, saying there are links between that case and investigations in Saskatchewan.

“We know the criminal element is moving drugs both north and south of the border,” he said, adding provincial support is critical to their success.

Community Safety Minister Michael Weger travelled to Prince Albert for the press conference.

“Every kilogram of drugs taken off the streets represents harm prevented…. fewer addictions fueled, fewer crimes committed and fewer families affected,” he said.

Weger said the government’s municipal grants program provides stable, ongoing funding. This year, more than $22 million was allocated to police agencies across the province, including $3.75 million for 26 police officer positions in Prince Albert, including seven crime reduction team officers who investigate gang and drug activity.

“Today’s announcement is a striking example of that work in action,” he said.

(Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Mayor Bill Powalinsky applauded officers for their work.

“I know that eventually criminals are going to realize Prince Albert is not the place to do business.”

Powalinsky stated drug trafficking points to a larger social issue. He cited work underway through Oxford House and the complex-needs facility.

“We’re moving ahead. This is not an easy challenge,” he said.

On Wednesday, one of the youths and Perla Sewap were granted bail. Daylen Laliberte and Bryce Mahoney appeared in court Thursday and were remanded to dates in June.

Two other youths have court dates next week in La Ronge.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

‘We are not going to solve this by just having drug raids’: Prince Albert bust nets over 4kg of cocaine and meth

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