The RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime—Northwest Region executed search warrants at two homes and vehicles in Saskatoon on August 1. The searches were done with the help of 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.
As a result, Mounties stated they seized around 26 kg of suspected methamphetamine, 1 kg of suspected heroine, 9 kg of suspected cocaine, 1 kg of suspected MDMA, over 1,000 Xanax pills, roughly $43,000 in cash, and smaller quantities of other drugs, including psilocybin (mushrooms).
The searches were conducted in the area of Shillington Crescent and the Eastview neighbourhood.
“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,” stated Superintendent of Operational Support Dale Solie in a media release. “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.”
39-year-old Edwin Covaci from Saskatoon is charged with 2 counts of possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and 1 count of proceeds (cash over $5,000.00) obtained by crime.
31-year-old Nicolas Franke from Saskatoon is charged with 1 count of possessing (methamphetamine) for the purpose of trafficking, 1 count of possessing (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking, 1 count of possessing (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) for the purpose of trafficking, and 1 count of possessing (psilocybin) for the purpose of trafficking.
Covaci and Franke are scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on September 19, 2024.