La Loche RCMP seized more than 433 grams of crack cocaine after two investigations last week.
On Aug. 20 La Loche RCMP executed a search warrant on George Street. Officers located and seized 16 grams of crack cocaine, two cell phones, two knives, a sum of cash and trafficking paraphernalia.
Pierson Piche, 52, Topanga Piche, 23, and Dawson Fontaine, 18, all of La Loche were arrested.
They are all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000.
Pierson Piche has appeared in court and has been remanded until his next appearance on Aug. 30.
Topanga Piche and Fontaine will appear in court on Oct. 18.
The next day RCMP stopped a vehicle on Highway 135, 15 km south of La Loche. They seized more than 417 grams of crack cocaine, 12 grams of suspected fentanyl and trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result, Nicholas Shingoose, 21, of Saskatoon was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and trafficking.
Shingoose will appear in court on Oct. 4.
“These two investigations alone have resulted in very significant amounts of illicit drugs removed from the streets,” said S/Sgt. Éric Desfossés, La Loche RCMP Detachment Commander.
“The La Loche RCMP is committed to public safety, and that means we are aggressively targeting those who traffic drugs in our community – and will continue to do so.”
He added that in addition to the recent seizures, officers also seized 16 grams of crack cocaine on July 24, 22 grams of crack cocaine on Aug. 2 as well as 283 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of fentanyl on Aug. 12. Charges were also laid in each of these incidents.
Anyone with information about drug trafficking in La Loche is encouraged to call the La Loche RCMP at 306-822-2010. If you wish to report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
