RCMP made multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs last week in Buffalo Narrows and Saskatoon. (Photo 212463690 © Ritaanisimova | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Craddock

DRUG BUST

Joint investigation results in arrests, seizure of drugs

May 25, 2022 | 10:52 AM

A combined effort with RCMP and Prince Albert’s Crime Reduction Team has resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal drugs.

Back in January, Buffalo Narrows RCMP started an investigation after discovering drugs were entering the community. Two months later, the Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team joined the investigation.

Last Thursday, a man and woman who were traveling in a vehicle were stopped and arrested by police on Highway 4 south of Meadow Lake.

A search of their vehicle found over 200 grams of crack cocaine, 14 grams of cocaine, cash, cell phones, and drug packaging material.

Later that day, police searched a home on Barney Avenue in Buffalo Narrows and seized 180 grams of illegal cannabis, cash, and multiple scales.

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Officers also searched a business in Saskatoon where two people were arrested and later released without charges. Items seized at that business included small amounts of illegal cannabis, psilocybin, cash, and scales.

“Community safety is not limited to active enforcement the public sees involving police officers. It is also law enforcement taking proactive efforts dedicated to preventing crime before it occurs. The charges laid and items seized in relation to this months-long investigation speaks to this,” said S/Sgt. Shawn Carter with Buffalo Narrows RCMP.

Also assisting Buffalo Narrows RCMP with the investigation were Prince Albert and North Battleford RCMP Crime Reduction Teams, North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force, Saskatoon Integrated Intelligence Unit, Saskatoon Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team, Saskatoon Police Service Crime Reduction Team, Saskatoon Integrated Intelligence Unit and Prince Albert, Meadow Lake and Warman RCMP.

“The Saskatchewan RCMP has resources and officers trained to work in collaboration with our detachments,” said Sgt. Chris Wilson of the Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team.

“The number of locations where arrests and search warrants were executed speaks to the importance of having supports in place to readily assist ongoing investigations taking place throughout our province,”

Jamey Hanson, 43, the man arrested from the vehicle faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and failure to comply with a release order.

Meanwhile, Olga Volosheniuk, 34, from Saskatoon is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Another man, Howard McCallum from Buffalo Narrows, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possessing illegal cannabis, and possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock