On July 1, 2019, members of the La Loche RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) warrant on residence in Clearwater River Dene Nation, near La Loche, Sask.
Once RCMP officers gained access to the residence, a 21- year-old male and a 15- year-old male were taken into custody without incident.
While members were still on scene, a group of several people came to the residence. One of them, a 43-year-old-male, confronted officers and was subsequently arrested. The group then dispersed without further confrontation.
During a search of the residence, police seized items consistent with trafficking cocaine, a significant amount of cash, a firearm, ammunition, a replica pistol/handgun, BB guns and brass knuckles.
The following charges have been laid in relation to this incident:
21-year-old Kennan Sylvestre:
- Trafficking (Cocaine), Section 5(1) CDSA
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Section 354(1)(a) Criminal Code (CC)
- Unauthorized possession of firearm, Section 91(1) CC
- Careless storage of firearm, Section 86(1) CC
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous purpose, Section 88(1) CC x 3
- Unlawfully possession of identity document, Section 56.1(1) CC
43-year-old Casey Piche:
- Trafficking (Cocaine), Section 5(1) CDSA
- Assault a Peace Officer, Section 270(2) CC
- Resist Arrest, Section 129(a) CC
The 15-year-old youth has been charged with the following offenses unrelated to this incident (stemming from a different investigation):
- Theft of Motor vehicle, Section 333.1 CC
- Mischief under $5000.00, Section 430(3) CC
- Arson, Section 434 CC
All three were released and will appear in La Loche court on September 9, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.