Kamsack RCMP have laid more charges in the effort to crack down on illegal trafficking of prescription drugs.
A 49-year-old man from the Keeseekoose First Nation was arrested following a traffic stop last Friday.
RCMP Sgt. Gregory Nichol says people using the drugs have become a new type of hazard:
“Over the last couple of months, impaired operation of a motor vehicle by drugs — so we’re training our guys up on that, too, so we can detect and charge those people . . . because it’s obviously an issue in our area, as well.”
Nichol says more of the illegal drugs keep turning up in the area:
“The abuse of prescription drugs is a big issue. We ran a couple of projects here, in conjunction with the drug unit out of Regina and GIS, in the last four years — both of which resulted in a large number of people charged and convicted of trafficking pills. And, you know what? From all indications, it looks like it’s an ongoing battle we face here.”
Nichol notes officers from the Kamsack detachment also charged a suspect from the Cote First Nation earlier this summer.
He adds officers from Yorkton have also been involved in the investigations into illegal prescription drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man is facing drug and assault charges after a weekend complaint at Kamsack.
The suspect was arrested Sunday at the Keeseekoose First Nation.
Police say the man was carrying marijuana, as well as prescription pills.
They also allege he did not co-operate with RCMP members.
The charges include resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer.
Jeffery Kyle Kayseas of Kamsack is being held in custody and is due back in court next week.