On August 28, 2019, on Highway 16 near Maidstone, Saskatchewan, an eastbound vehicle occupied by two adult males was stopped by the Saskatchewan RCMP's Roving Traffic Unit for failing to have proper mud flaps, which is a violation of the Saskatchewan Vehicle Equipment Regulations.
During the course of the vehicle stop, a simple equipment violation turned into a drug trafficking and possession investigation due to several factors that will be presented as part of the court process. A search of the vehicle revealed three kilograms of methamphetamine, 0.5 kilograms of cocaine, and three handguns.
Two adult males have been charged as a result.
Devin Marshall Cunningham of Edmonton, Alberta, is facing the following charges:
- 2 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and methamphetamine) contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- 1 count of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to Section 355.4(a) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized contrary to 93(3)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle contrary to Section 94(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm without a licence contrary to Section 95(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of carrying a concealed firearm contrary to Section 90(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to Section 88(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of unauthorized possession of a firearm contrary to Section 91(3) of the Criminal Code.
Also charged is Andrew David Paddley of Edmonton, Alberta. He is charged with the following:
- 2 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and methamphetamine) contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- 1 count of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized contrary to 93(3)(a) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle contrary to Section 94(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a restricted/prohibited firearm without a licence contrary to Section 95(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of carrying a concealed firearm contrary to Section 90(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose contrary to Section 88(2) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of unauthorized possession of a firearm contrary to Section 91(3) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of failure to comply with a recognizance contrary to Section 145(3) of the Criminal Code.
- 1 count of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000 contrary to Section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Both Cunningham and Paddley made their first appearances in North Battleford Provincial Court this morning.