Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit (RTU): Significant Seizures of Drugs and Proceeds of Crime in May

Partnering with the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol of the Provincial Protective Services (PPS) Branch, the Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit was able to take illicit drugs, a restricted firearm, and a large quantity of cash which were the proceeds of crime off Saskatchewan streets. The following occurrences all happened in the Maidstone area.

10 Kilograms of Cocaine Seized

In the afternoon of May 3, 2023, the Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle containing one occupant.

Upon investigation, police seized approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine seized has been tested and resulted in purity levels as high as 98 percent. This seizure will disrupt the supply of illicit, lethal drugs destined for distribution across Canada, particularly Saskatchewan.

As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old John Morin of Edmonton, Alberta, has been charged with the following:

• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

John Morin is scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court on June 26 at 9:30 a.m.

6 Litres of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) Seized

On the morning of May 30, 2023, the Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Unit and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol of the Provincial Protective Services (PPS) Branch conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle containing two occupants.

Initial investigation resulted in a search of the vehicle. Police subsequently seized approximately 6 litres of GHB, which could have resulted in 1,200 individual doses. A small amount of cocaine and methamphetamine were also located and seized.

As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Warren Stricker of Langham, Saskatchewan, has been charged with:

• Possession of GHB for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of Cocaine, Section 4(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

And 42-year-old Quinton Stricker of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been charged with:

• Possession of GHB for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of Cocaine, Section 4(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of Methamphetamine, Section 4(1) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court on July 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Large Quantity of Cash & Restricted Firearm Seized

On the morning of May 31, 2023, the Saskatchewan Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol of the Provincial Protective Services (PPS) Branch conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle containing one occupant.

A large amount of bundled Canadian currency was seen in plain view. Upon further investigation, several more bundles of vacuum-sealed Canadian currency were located, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Police also located a restricted firearm, with two magazines that both contained ammunition, and a large amount of methamphetamine.

As a result of the investigation, 46-year-old Mohamed Ilmi of Edmonton, Alberta, was charged with:

• Carry a Concealed Weapon, Section 90 Criminal Code
• Possess a Firearm Knowing Not a Holder of License to Possess It, 92(1) Criminal Code
• Possess a Prohibited Device Knowing Not a Holder of Licence to Possess It, 92(2) Criminal Code
• Being Occupant in a Motor Vehicle Knowing There Is a Firearm, 94 Criminal Code
• Possess Restricted Firearm With Readily Accessible Ammunition, 95(b) Criminal Code
• Possess Restricted Firearm While Prohibited From Doing So, 117.01(1) Criminal Code
• Possess Prohibited Device While Prohibited From Doing So, 117.01(1) Criminal Code
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000, 354(1)(a) Criminal Code
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, 354(1)(a) Criminal Code
• Laundering the Proceeds of Crime, 462.31(1) Criminal Code
• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking, 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Mohamed Ilmi is scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court on July 10 at 9:30 a.m.

“I am incredibly proud of the work that is being done across the province by our officers and partners at Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. By taking all of these illicit items off the road and out of criminals’ hands, it demonstrates our commitment to keeping the public out of harm’s way,” says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, Officer in Charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services.