In two separate incdients, Battlefords RCMP seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Drug busts

RCMP Report Pt.1: Meth, opioids seized in separate arrests

Jan 20, 2022 | 1:33 PM

Battlefords RCMP had two significant drug seizures in the past week, resulting in arrests and charges for four people.

The first was a traffic stop from early Monday morning on the 400 block of 25^th St. in Battleford. One of the occupants attempted to flee when officers discovered he had outstanding warrants, but he was quickly taken into custody. Four people were arrested, one of which was later released.

During the investigation of the vehicle, police found a backpack full of methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine and a pistol and ammunition. Sgt. Neil Tremblay said the street value of the seizure could be anywhere from around $1,400 to tens of thousands of dollars.

“The meth was in excess of a pound and prepackaged for resale,” he said.

As a result of the investigation, 39 year-old Alton Mosquito, 34 year-old Bobbi Fineday and 19 year-old Terri Fox of North Battleford were all remanded into custody and appeared in court later that day. Tremblay said all three were known to police and were associated with organized crime in some manner.

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Mosquito faces numerous weapons charges, such as unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon contrary to a surrender authorization, unsafe storage of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a weapon obtained by crime. He is also charged with resisting arrest and trafficking methamphetamine.

Fineday’s charges include obstruction, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of an unauthorized firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. Fox is also charged with possession of an unauthorized firearm, as well as possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and trafficking methamphetamine.

Tremblay credited the officers on duty for noticing the vehicle and executing the arrests.

“One thing lead to another and this is what was located,” he said. “Good police work and paying attention to detail.”

Unusual drop-off

Another seizure came about through public vigilance at a business on Railway Ave on Jan. 14. A customer had reportedly brought in a box of parts that instead contained around hundreds of hydromorphone pills. Tremblay said it was an unusual discovery, as those pills are typically used as a prescription medication for cancer treatments, but can also be used as an opioid.

“It was way beyond the amount that any person should have as a prescription, likely in excess of a thousand,” he said.

Upon location, 38 year-old Cody Caron of North Battleford was arrested and found to have suspected LSD, methamphetamine, and crack. He’s facing charges of trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. After being remanded into custody, Caron appeared in court on Monday.

Two arrests, one warrant

Of the 18 assault investigations, police are investigating one incident where the suspect is at large.

Twenty-two year-old Wade Whitehead of Saulteaux First Nation is wanted in relation to an incident from Jan. 13, where he reportedly assaulted a woman in her 20s and later returned to the residence holding a firearm. His charges include assault uttering threats, unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The RCMP made two arrests related to assault. One incident occurred early Jan. 14 on the 1600 block of 104^th St., where a 42 year-old male got into a physical altercation with another man at the residence and reportedly bit him. The accused was released on conditions of no contact with the victim and will appear in court later in February.

The other arrest was a 37 year-old male, who is alleged to have assaulted a cab driver after requesting a cab ride on Jan. 15 around Waterhouse Road. While the victim sustained facial injuries in the assault and required stitches, the accused was charged with assault causing bodily harm. He was later released on numerous conditions and is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Feb. 28.

Anyone with information on any incident can contact the Battlefords RCMP detachment, or Crime Stoppers.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW