Saskatchewan RCMP and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation continue collaborative efforts to maintain community safety
Saskatchewan RCMP's Pelican Narrows detachment and La Ronge Crime Reduction Team (CRT) conducted a targeted enforcement project – aimed at removing dangerous weapons and illicit drugs from the community – in Pelican Narrows from February 9 to 11.
Officers seized five illegal firearms, 210 grams of methamphetamine and contraband alcohol during various enforcement efforts. Twelve people were arrested, charged and remanded into custody as a result of investigations over the weekend, which included:
February 9: Officers were proactively looking for Ashton Ballantyne, who was wanted on multiple warrants for offences including assault and assault with a weapon. Investigation determined he'd been at a cabin recently and left two firearms there. Officers continued searching for Ballantyne, who then turned himself into the Pelican Narrows RCMP detachment. He was arrested on his outstanding warrants and charged with seven firearms-related offences, including one count of weapons trafficking (Information 90473076).
February 9: Officers were conducting proactive patrols when they observed a male run away from them. Officers approached him and the male threw something as he was running. Officers located the items, a hachet and machete. The male youth was arrested nearby and charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (Information Y371459). We are unable to identify him as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
February 10: Officers were conducting proactive patrols and observed a male who was wanted for failing to attend court. They approached the male, who was with an adult female. During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized a firearm and ammunition in their bag. 30-year-old Earl Ballantyne and 24-year-old Raeanna Michel, both from Pelican Narrows, were each charged with six firearm-related offences. Earl Ballantyne was also charged with three counts of breaching a release order condition and arrested on his outstanding warrant.
February 10: Officers conducted a traffic stop and observed open alcohol in the vehicle in plain view. As a result of continued investigation, officers located and seized approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine and a hatchet from their vehicle. The vehicle was also seized. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested. 31-year-old Angelique Michel, 29-year-old Glen Ballantyne and 19-year-old Samara Linklater were each charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
February 10: Officers executed a search warrant at a residence. They located and seized approximately 150 grams of methamphetamine and two firearms, one of which was sawed-off. The occupants of the residence were arrested. 33-year-old Christa Sewap, 30-year-old Gavin McCallum, 27-year-old Colton Bighetty and 19-year-old Nadine Linklater were each charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and numerous firearms-related offences. In total, 35 charges were laid against the four individuals
All accused have been remanded into custody until court appearances this week.
Officers also seized contraband alcohol during a number of check stops over the weekend. Alcohol is prohibited in Pelican Narrows by local bylaw.
"This action by the RCMP is a crucial step in our collective battle against the drug and substance abuse issues linked to gang activity in our community. We are deeply grateful for the RCMP's efforts to directly confront these challenges. Every arrest and every ounce of drugs taken out of our community is a step towards reclaiming our community from the grips of gangs and drug trafficking. It's about taking back our future," said Chief Karen Bird of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. "To build on this momentum, we are doubling down on our commitment to strategies that provide positive alternatives and address the root causes of involvement in gangs and drug activities. Today's operation is part of our collective commitment with law enforcement to moving toward a path of healing, safety, and prosperity for Pelican Narrows, free from the influence of gangs."
"This weekend's significant drug, alcohol and weapons seizures demonstrate the Saskatchewan RCMP's continued commitment to community safety," says Insp. Stephen Bergerman from Saskatchewan RCMP's North District. "Violence and drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Pelican Narrows. The Crime Reduction Team and Pelican Narrows RCMP members did an excellent job over the weekend – and our efforts will continue. We'd like to thank the members of the Pelican Narrows community for their patience and assistance as we executed this successful enforcement project."
"The purpose of the CRTs is to conduct targeted enforcement with the objective of enhancing community safety – and they're able to deploy anywhere they are needed in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction," explains S/Sgt. Ryan How, Saskatchewan RCMP's Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team's North District Manager. "This is a perfect example of the effectiveness of our local RCMP detachments teaming up with CRT to remove dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets – and to arrest and charge those responsible for possessing them."
Some investigations from the weekend continue.
If you have information about any suspicious or criminal activity in Pelican Narrows, report it to Pelican Narrows RCMP at 306-632-3300. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.