On Monday, March 15, the Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services conducted a traffic stop near Maidstone, SK during which it was determined the driver and passenger were in possession of illegal tobacco, the vehicle was searched and the following drugs were seized: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Fentanyl as well as an amount of cash.
As a result of the traffic stop, the Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime North (FSOC-N) executed a search warrant on an associated residence in Waldheim, SK. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of the following drugs and items: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Fentanyl, Prescription Pills, a modified shotgun, two conducted energy devices and over $30,000 cash.
Overall the amount of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl seized was significant. Specifically, Inspector Farquhar, the Inspector in charge of the Federal & Serious Organized Crime unit noted,
"The amount of Fentanyl that was seized by our officers represents over 2000 individual doses. This drug (fentanyl) is odorless and tasteless, and therefore hard to detect. A lethal dose of pure fentanyl is potentially less than two milligrams – which is equivalent to about two grains of salt. The amount seized is indeed significant and could have caused a lot of harm to individuals within our communities."
The Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services and FSOC-N also worked with the Rosthern RCMP, and as a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Jenna Beamish and 28-year-old Dylan Bendall from Waldheim, SK have each been charged with the following offences:
- 3 counts, Possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2) Controlled Drug and Substances Act
- 1 count, Possession of Property obtained by crime less than $5000.00 Section 351(1)(a) Criminal Code
- 1 count, Possession of Unstamped Tobacco Products, Section 32 (1) Customs Excise Act
Further charges are pending shortly as the investigation is ongoing.
Both Jenna Beamish and Dylan Bendall are scheduled to appear next in court on March 22, 2021 in Lloydminster.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit works in conjunction with domestic and international partners to disrupt, dismantle and support the prosecution of serious and organized crime groups and their members.
If you have information about people trafficking drugs, you can report it to your local RCMP detachment or police service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report it to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.