On Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, Melfort RCMP Combined Traffic Services Section (CTSS) conducted a traffic stop as part of National Safe Driving Week on Saskatchewan Avenue in Melfort, SK.
A vehicle was stopped for having an obstructed licence plate. Officers observed the driver exhibit signs of impairment and issued a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST). The driver failed the SFST and was issued a 72-hour driving suspension as a result. Officers saw a back-pack matching the description of one recently stolen from a business in Melfort in the vehicle and the driver was subsequently arrested for possession of stolen property. The driver was also found in possession of approximately 4.5g of suspected crystal methamphetamine, approximately 3g of crack cocaine, and a sum of cash. Further investigation determined the driver was on court ordered conditions for his involvement in an illicit drug trafficking operation in Melfort back in May 2022 (https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2022/three-arrested-178-grams-cocaine-seized-saskatchewan-rcmp-crime-reduction-team).
In accordance with the court ordered conditions for the driver, Melfort RCMP and Melfort CTSS attended his residence in Melfort, SK. Officers located two loaded shotguns, one rifle, 3 cellphones, scales, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a conducted energy weapon (CEW), suspected crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and suspected MDMA. Two people were also located at the residence and arrested.
As a result of this investigation, the driver of the vehicle, 39-year-old David Barks, of Melfort, SK, was charged with the following:
- Two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- Possession of property obtained by the commission of an offense, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- One count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device, Section 92(2), Criminal Code;
- One count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited firearm, Section 92(1), Criminal Code; and
- One count, possession of prohibited firearm, Section 95(a), Criminal Code.
48-year-old Barkley Swenson of Melfort, SK was charged with the following in addition to a breach of undertaking:
- Two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- Six counts, possession of firearm/weapon contrary to prohibition order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code;
- Three counts, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device, Section 92(1), Criminal Code; and
- Possession of prohibited firearm, Section 95(a), Criminal Code.
29-year-old Cassandra St. Cyer of Star City, SK, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and charged with two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Barks, Swenson, and St. Cyer remained in custody and made their first appearance in court in Melfort on Dec. 5, 2022.
This success of this investigation is credited to the joint efforts between Melfort RCMP, Melfort CTSS and Regina Police Service CTSS.
The investigation is ongoing.