(Photo: seized items, provided by the RCMP)
In a media release sent out this morning, RCMP stated that they recently conducted a series of targeted enforcement activities to combat gang activity and remove illicit drugs and firearms from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation community of Pelican Narrows.
On January 21, RCMP officers from the Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team, Pelican Narrows Detachment and Critical Incident Response Team executed search warrants at four residences in Pelican Narrows in relation to ongoing drug and firearms trafficking investigations.
That day, officers stated they located and seized four illegal firearms at multiple residences, two replica firearms, 94 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a small amount of methamphetamine and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
(Photos: seized items, provided by the RCMP)
“These seizures and arrests are examples of how targeted enforcement can take dangerous drugs and weapons out of a community,” says Sgt. Toby Martin, Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams’ (SERT) north region acting manager. “By working together with RCMP officers from the Pelican Narrows Detachment and a specialized unit like the Critical Incident Response Team, the Prince Albert CRT helps make Pelican Narrows a safer place for those who call it home.”
RCMP officers stated that on January 21, they arrested three adult males and four adult females while executing a search warrant at a residence on McKay Street.
While searching the residence, officers located and seized 94 grams of crack cocaine, 13 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun, which was later determined to be stolen, more than $38,000 in cash, and additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result, Olaitan Iyanda Amoo, a 23-year-old male from Mississauga, ON, faces multiple drug and weapons related charges. The six other individuals at the residence were released without charges.
That same day officers arrested six adult males and six adult females while executing a search warrant at a residence on Wood Crescent.
While searching the residence, officers located and seized a small amount of methamphetamine, additional drug trafficking paraphernalia, two replica firearms, and an edged weapon.
As a result, Leah Sewap, a 35-year-old female from Pelican Narrows, faces multiple drug and weapons related charges. Eleven other individuals found at the residence were released without charges.
Officers also arrested six adult males and six adult females while executing search warrants at two residences on Chachakew Place.
During the arrests, officers located and seized, three firearms (a rifle, a shotgun, and a zip gun), ammunition, a small amount of methamphetamine, and additional drug trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result, Jocelyn Linklater, a 37-year-old female from Pelican Narrows and Kelvin McCallum, an 18-year-old male from Pelican Narrows both face multiple weapons related charges. The ten other individuals located at the residences were released without charges.
In total, 31 people were arrested with four suspects now facing criminal charges. 27 individuals were released without charges and the RCMP will continue to investigate.
Olaitan Iyanda Amoo, Leah Sewap, Jocelyn Linklater and Kelvin McCallum made their first appearance in Pelican Narrows Provincial Court on January 22.
“On behalf of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation leadership, I commend the RCMP for their action and specialized enforcement in Pelican Narrows,” says Councillor Olivia Custer of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.
“The presence of dangerous drugs has had a devastating impact on the health and safety of our community. Our members have expressed their gratitude for this important step toward making our community safer, especially for our children and Elders. We remain committed to working together to ensure the well-being of our people.”