WEYBURN — Weyburn Police Service Patrol and CIU officers initiated a traffic stop on an individual believed to be trafficking drugs on Saturday. With assistance from the WPS K-9 Unit, police located over 21 grams of cocaine (street value in excess of $2,100) and, as a result, 31-year-old Ryley Mantei of Weyburn now faces several charges including trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and failing to comply with a condition of his release.
Further, the Joint Tactical Support Team, with assistance from WPS Patrol & CIU officers, executed a CDSA search warrant on a related residence resulting in the arrest of two other males. This matter is under investigation and further charges are pending.
Looking over the past week, the Weyburn Police Service (WPS) responded to 85 calls for service during the period of June 17 to 23, resulting in a total of 21 charges. Of the charges, 14 were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, five under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), and two under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Of the 14 Criminal Code charges, seven were in relation to individuals who either failed to comply with a condition of their release, or failed to attend court as required to do so.
Investigation into a theft of alcohol from a local liquor store resulted in an adult male being charged with theft and failing to comply with a condition of his release. The male will appear in court on an upcoming date.
Multiple reports of vandalism to property was reported during the week, including graffiti spray-painted on a school and other buildings within the city. Police also advise that a few incidents of “car-diggings” were reported. The police would like the public’s assistance in reporting any suspicious persons or activity they may see in the late hours or isolated areas that are prone to vandalism and theft.
On Wednesday afternoon, officers responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 39 and 16th Street. EMS and Fire personnel also attended and assisted removing an adult male from his vehicle and providing medical attention. Both vehicles were significantly damaged and required towing from the scene. The driver of one vehicle was charged for proceeding from a stop sign before it was safe to do so.
Also on Wednesday, an evening traffic stop conducted on a vehicle observed to be speeding resulted in an adult woman being charged with impaired driving. The woman was dealt with accordingly and will appear in court on an upcoming date.
Very early Thursday morning, police received a report of a vehicle that was parked but running for a long period of time with someone who appeared to be passed out in the driver’s seat. Attending officers found an adult man slumped over in the driver seat and further investigation resulted in the man being charged with impaired operation of a conveyance. A small amount of drugs was also seized.
A reminder that the Weyburn Police Service will be co-hosting a major traffic safety initiative on June 26-27. The two-day Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) involves officers from other policing agencies within Saskatchewan and will include one day in the Estevan and surrounding area, followed by one day in the Weyburn and surrounding area. Traffic safety remains a high priority and officers will be out in large numbers during this project.
The Weyburn Police also responded to a variety of other calls including alarms, domestic disturbances, suspicious persons or vehicles, mental health concerns, requests to check on an individual’s well-being, harassing communications, and calls relating to animals, parking, or other bylaw concerns.
*Anyone with information regarding one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn Police Service at (306) 848-3250, the local RCMP Detachment at 310-RCMP (7267), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
