Six-month investigation leads to drug charges against Sask. man

A six-month investigation into trafficking in Saskatchewan communities has led to five charges against a Saskatoon man.

Randolph Letwiniuk, 60, was charged on Dec. 21 with three offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and two Criminal Code violations.

The charges include trafficking cocaine and hydromorphone, possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and two counts related to possessing ammunition.

The investigation into illicit drug trafficking began in June by the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), looking at northern Saskatchewan communities including La Ronge, Stanley Mission and Prince Albert.

A targeted traffic stop on Highway 2, north of Prince Albert, in August allowed officers to gather evidence. They also executed a search warrant at a residence on Shea Crescent in Saskatoon. Officers found and seized crack cocaine and cocaine, trafficking paraphernalia, a vehicle and electronic devices.

Police continued to investigate into the fall, including digitally analyzing the electronic devices seized, before consulting with Crown prosecutors about appropriate charges.

The investigation has included the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) analytical section; crime reduction teams from La Ronge, Moose Jaw and North Battleford; North Battleford Police Dog Services, Saskatoon RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service.

“When combatting the supply of dangerous drugs in our communities, it’s not enough to go after street-level dealers. We have to disrupt the supply chain,” SERT Staff Sgt. Kory Davidsen said.

“We believe this arrest has prevented dangerous illicit drugs from entering northern Saskatchewan communities. We’re not stopping there. We’ll continue until everyone gets the message: if you traffic drugs, you will be investigated, arrested and held responsible for your reckless actions.”

Letwiniuk is set to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on Feb. 15.

Saskatchewan RCMP said the investigation is continuing.