Significant drugs and weapons seizure
In the early morning hours of Saturday, November 21, 2020, the North Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force, North Battleford RCMP Municipal General Investigation Section and the Saskatchewan RCMP Emergency Response Team with the assistance of the North Battleford Provincial General Investigation Section and Police Dog Services executed two unrelated search warrants in North Battleford, SK.
First search warrant executed on St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford
A Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant was first executed at a residence located on the 1800 block of St. Laurent in North Battleford. At approximately 4 a.m., ERT entered the residence without incident. Three adult males and three adult females were arrested inside the residence and in the yard. All of the individuals were interviewed and three were released without charges.
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of several items, some of which include one firearm, ammunition, approximately three grams of suspected crystal meth, approximately $500 in cash, brass knuckles and a knife.
Two males and one adult female have been charged in relation to this investigation:
44-year-old Sheldon Johnstone, of North Battleford, is facing five charges, some of which include: Careless Storage of a Firearm, Sec. 86 of the Criminal Code; Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Sec. 91(3) of the Criminal Code; and Possession of a Firearm contrary to an Order, Sec. 117.03 of theCriminal Code. Sheldon Johnstone made his first appearance in court in North Battleford on November 23, 2020. His next court appearance is on November 25, 2020.
27-year-old Blake Johnstone, of North Battleford, is facing eight charges, some of which include: Careless storage of a Firearm, Sec. 86 of the Criminal Code; Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Sec. 91(3); and four counts of Possession of a Firearm, Sec. 117.03 CC. Blake Johnstone made his first appearance in court in North Battleford Provincial Court on November 23, 2020. His next court appearance is on November 25, 2020.
18-year-old Sierra Stone, of North Battleford, is facing charges for Outstanding warrant for firearms offences et al. Sierra Stone made her first appearance in court in North Battleford Provincial Court on November 23, 2020. She was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on February 1, 2021.
Second search warrant executed on Scott Drive in North Battleford
Immediately following the first search warrant, police executed a second search warrant, for handgun and ammunition possession at a residence located on the 10000 block of Scott Drive in North Battleford.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Emergency Response Team along with Police Dog Services arrived at the residence around 5:45 a.m. Two adult males and two adult females were arrested outside the residence without incident.
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of several items, some of which include, approximately 9.8 lbs of prepackaged cocaine in vacuum sealed bags, approximately 350 grams of marijuana, a firearm with two loaded magazines and over $25000 in cash.
Police completed interviews and two individuals were released without charges.
As a result of this investigation, 22-year-old Kage Pooyak and 22-year-old Teshina Nahbexie, both from North Battleford, have been charged with the following:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, Sec. 5(2) of the CDSA;
Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, Sec. 95 of the CC;
Possession of property obtained by crime, Sec. 354 of the CC;
Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm, Sec. 91(3) of the CC;
Unsafe storage of a firearm, Sec. 86 of the CC; and
Possession of a prohibited weapon, Sec. 91(3) of the CC.
Kage Pooyak and Teshina Nahbexie were released and are scheduled to appear in court in North Battleford on December 29, 2020.
The investigations into the results of the execution of both search warrants are ongoing.
The North Battleford Gang Task Force Unit is comprised of North Battleford Detachment members from several units as part of the Detachment’s crime reduction initiative. The Gang Task Force is mandated to target organized crime, the drug trade and serious property crime. Since its inception in November 2019, the Gang Task Force has led a number of successful drug investigations, including the execution of search warrants and drug interdiction traffic stops. These initiatives have taken a significant amount of drugs and firearms off the street. The Gang Task Force has also been responsible for the apprehension of over 150 high profile wanted individuals and members of local street gangs.
