A traffic stop in North Battleford has resulted in an arrest and the siezure of drugs and an assault rifle. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Drug/firearm arrest

Battlefords RCMP seize drugs, firearm following traffic stop

Mar 23, 2021 | 1:00 PM

A traffic stop in North Battleford lead to arrests and seizures of drugs and a firearm on March 19.

Battlefords RCMP Detachment members initiated the stop at the intersection of Territorial Drive and Hwy 4. During the resulting investigation, it was determined there was a significant amount of cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth and illegal cannabis in the vehicle.

A further search also turned up a loaded assault rifle. Staff Sgt. Jason Teniuk that while the weapon isn’t illegal, seeing it is rare. However, he added that it highlights the danger police face when approaching vehicles.

“This would not be typical, as there are very few of them around and people who own them lock them up securely,” he said. “Our [people] are approaching these situations not knowing what kind of firepower is in these vehicles and that kind of weapon can do a lot of damage.”

The two females in the vehicle were arrested and transported to Battlefords Detachment cells and so far, only one has been charged. Robin Moccasin, 33, of North Battleford has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal meth.

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She also faces multiple weapons related charges, including unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a restricted weapon and without a licence, possessing a weapon/ammunition in a vehicle and tampering with a serial number on a firearm. Moccasin was also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Teniuk said the investigation is still in its infancy and further charges are pending.

“There may be some consulting going on with firearms people, just to identify what other charges there are, anything we can do to sort through that,” he said. “It was a good investigation and it took a significant amount of drugs off the street.”

According to Teniuk, the street value of the drugs taken was significant. Even at the low end, he said it’s at least around $70,000.

“In a market that is a sellers’ market, it would be closer to $100,000,” Teniuk said.

In addition to the good that this bust will have, Teniuk said he’s excited to see the impact of having the detachment’s gang task force out and about in the area.

“I’m looking forward to our members getting back out and doing what they have to do to keep our community safe.”

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW