RCMP Federal Policing and Saskatoon Police Service seize drugs and arrest two Saskatoon men
A joint investigation by RCMP Federal Policing and Saskatoon Police Service resulted in the seizure of drugs and the arrest of two people from Saskatoon.
On Aug. 1, 2024, following a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation, RCMP Federal Policing Federal Serious and Organized Crime – Northwest Region, in collaboration with the Saskatoon Police Service’s Tactical Support Unit and Crisis Negotiation Team, as well as the Saskatoon Integrated Intelligence Unit and RCMP Pacific Region Federal Policing, executed search warrants at two homes and on two vehicles in the area of Shillington Crescent and the Eastview neighbourhood in Saskatoon.
Police seized approximately 26 kg of suspected methamphetamine, one kg of suspected heroine, and nine kg of suspected cocaine. As well as smaller amounts quantities of suspected Psilocybin (mushrooms), one kg of MDMA, more than 1,000 Xanax pills, and about $43,000 in cash.
Edwin Covaci, 39, from Saskatoon is charged with two counts of possession (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, and proceeds (cash over $5,000) obtained by crime.
Nicolas Franke, 31, from Saskatoon is charged with possession methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking.
Covaci and Franke are scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Sep. 19, 2024.
“Our partnership with our municipal policing partners and federal counterparts played a key role in this successful investigation,” said Insp. Richard Pickering of RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region. “We know that the reach of illicit drugs impacts all corners of Canada and bring with it a host of other criminal activities and social issues to our communities. This is just one example of how multiple agencies can come together to jointly investigate safety threats impacting Canadians, remove dangerous drugs from our streets and bring those responsible to justice.”
“Partnering with the RCMP to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and investigate interprovincial crime is of incredible importance to the Saskatoon Police Service,” said Superintendent of Operational Support Dale Solie. “While this seizure was made in Saskatoon, together with our federal policing partners, we share a common objective to prevent illicit drugs from flowing further into Saskatchewan communities and we’re proud to have supported that objective through this investigation.”
Police say the investigation continues.
