A significant amount of cocaine, illegal marijuana and qweapons were seized during the RCMP's joint operation into durg trafficking earlier this month. (Submitted/RCMP SK Media)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Major seizure

Four arrested, one wanted in massive drug bust

Mar 21, 2022 | 5:50 PM

At least four arrests were carried out in Saskatchewan RCMP’s joint execution of multiple search warrants on March 18, resulting in a massive seizure of drugs and weapons.

On that day, members from multiple RCMP units carried out six search warrants at properties within the Battlefords detachment area. S/Sgt. Jason Teniuk, acting commander of the North Battleford RCMP, said in a media release that this was a proactive, in-depth investigation that spanned six months.

“Because of the meticulous work of our police officers, a very significant amount of weapons and drugs have been removed from the street,” he said.

As a result, officers located and seized 839 grams of cocaine and 37.25 kilograms of illegal marijuana. Police also seized drug trafficking paraphernalia, seven firearms (including one stolen in North Battleford), ammunition and a large sum of cash.

Four adult males were arrested during the search warrants, all from the Battlefords region. Thirty-old year-old Russell Ens, 34 year-old Matthew Kennedy and 32 year-old Benjamine Lennie are all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of Cannabis for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

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The fourth man, 47 year-old Trevor Kennedy faces unauthorized possession of a firearm and two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm.

All four have appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court. Ens and Kennedy have been remanded into custody until their next appearance on March 23, while Lennie was remanded until his next appearance on March 24. Kennedy next appears on April 11.

In addition to those charges, the RCMP have issued a warrant for the arrest of 46 year-old North Battleford resident Chris Phillip. He’s also charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Officers are actively trying to locate and arrest Phillip, who’s described as approximately 5’10”, 180 lbs, balding and sporting a white beard. At this time there are no photos available.

“We will not tolerate the trafficking of guns and drugs in our community and will continue to proactively investigate and charge those who do so,” Teniuk said. “This is another example of the results of the tireless work our Gang Task Force officers, who work in our detachment area every day to keep our communities safe.”

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call their local RCMP detachment by calling 310-RCMP or call Crime Stoppers.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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