Onion Lake RCMP. Photo courtesy of rcmp-grc.gc.ca
A targeted crime crackdown in the Onion Lake area is paying off.
RCMP, with the cooperation and support of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, are working together to target criminal activities, including stolen vehicles, drug trafficking, violent assaults and home invasions.
“An increase in criminal activity of any kind is concerning and requires a collaborative response from the community and the police. In Onion Lake, we are fortunate to have the support of local community members and elected officials,” said Staff Sgt. Ken Burnouf, Onion Lake RCMP Detachment Commander.
Over the long weekend, Onion Lake RCMP brought in additional manpower to conduct a major sweep, which included stopping 890 vehicles. Over 100 charges were laid, including six charges of impaired driving.
Other charges ranged from possession of stolen vehicles to drug charges and outstanding warrants.
“On behalf of chief and council, we, the leadership, are in full support of providing public safety to our community. We are here to assist and provide support to the RCMP in continued joint efforts to reach this goal,” said Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief Wallace Fox.
Here is the complete breakdown following the four days of check stops from August 3 until the August 7:
– 890 vehicles were stopped, resulting in more than 140 charges under the provincial traffic safety act and six individuals were charged with impaired driving.
– 36 criminal code charges were laid, ranging from impaired driving, stolen vehicles to possession of a prohibited weapon.
– 16 charges laid for individuals breaching their court imposed conditions.
– 7 stolen vehicles were recovered.
– 8 individuals were charged with drug related offences.
– Investigators seized what is believed to be cocaine, crystal meth and cannabis, and 30 arrest warrants were executed.