Several people charged after 4-day drug investigation in Regina

A number of people are facing charges following a four-day drug crackdown by Regina police.

Project CLUTCH, as it was dubbed by Regina police, involved an investigation team made up of both drug enforcement investigators and tactical members. Police said 13 officers were assigned to the 96-hour operation.

Day one

The investigation began on March 29. A 62-year-old man, who had previously been identified as someone involved in drug trafficking, was arrested in the 300 block of Toronto Street on outstanding warrants. He did not receive further drug charges.

A 32-year-old man was arrested following a traffic stop at Dewdney Avenue and Oxford Street. Police said methamphetamine, marijuana and Ritalin were seized following a search. The investigation is ongoing.

A 34-year-old man was arrested following a traffic stop on the 1100 block of Victoria Avenue East. Police said officers found cocaine and “evidence indicative of drug trafficking.” Officers seized his vehicle and charged the man with drug offences. Police said further investigation led officers to a nearby hotel room, where a pit bull was found – it was returned to its owner.

A 28-year-old man with outstanding arrest warrants was arrested following police enforcement on the 200 block of Michener Drive. He was found to be in breach of court order conditions. He was also arrested on additional drug charges.

Day two

Police enforcement on March 30 resulted in several people being charged.

A 42-year-old man with outstanding arrest warrants was arrested after a traffic stop on the 1600 block of Montreal Street. Police said Talwin and Ritalin were found during the stop. The man faces drug possession charges but was released from police custody with a court date.

A 23-year-old Montreal man was also arrested during a traffic stop in a business parking lot near the 1500 block of Albert Street. Police said officers found cocaine, crack cocaine, cash and communication devices. He appeared in court the following day.

Police also arrested a 26-year-old man following police observations and interaction on the 1400 block of Angus Street. Police said the man was in possession of marijuana at the time. The investigation is ongoing.

A traffic stop in a business parking lot on the 2200 block of Broad Street resulted in a 39-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman being arrested. Police said officers seized drug paraphernalia and evidence. While the woman was released with criminal charges, the man was released without criminal charges. Police said that investigation is ongoing as well.

Day three

A 22-year-old Toronto man was arrested after a vehicle stop on the 1500 block of Rupert Street. Police said investigators found and seized cocaine, cash and communication devices. The man was also charged with obstructing a peace officer for allegedly providing a fake name to police, as well as carrying a concealed weapon and breach charges. He was taken into police custody.

SWAT helped execute a warrant at a home on the 1900 block of Garnet Street. Two Alberta men, a 35-year-old and a 32-year-old, were inside at the time, as well as a 40-year-old person. Police said investigators seized cocaine, marijuana and psilocybin, as well as “a volume of evidence to support ongoing drug trafficking activity,” including cash, a sawed-off .12 gauge shotgun, ammunition and knuckle dusters. Police said a 33-year-old man investigators identified was not in the home at the time. The 40-year-old individual was released after police determined the person didn’t live at the home. Two men are scheduled to appear in court on April 3.

Day four

Police followed up on the arrest of the 22-year-old Toronto man on the day before. That led police to execute two search warrants on April 1: one on the 1600 block of Regent Street and another on the 3300 block of Quance Street. Police said cocaine, crack cocaine, a pump-action pistol-grip .12 gauge shotgun, cash and evidence indicative of drug trafficking were seized at both locations. The man was charged with additional drug charges.

Police wrapped up Project CLUTCH on April 1 but several investigations are ongoing. Police did not release names.