An investigation into a large amount of drugs in the Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Melfort, and Tisdale areas has resulted in a number of charges against two people.
On Monday, April 26, a vehicle was pulled over on Highway 7, outside Saskatoon near Township Road 340, in connection to the investigation. The driver was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and related drug paraphernalia.
A search warrant was then executed at a home in Bjorkdale on the 100 Block of Hara Avenue. More methamphetamine, ketamine, hydromorphone, and more drug paraphernalia were found.
As a result, 53-year-old Rudi Betthel of Bjorkdale has been charged with five counts of Trafficking, five counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, and five counts of Possess a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose.
Meanwhile, a search warrant was also executed at a home on the 300 Block of Avenue N South in Saskatoon. More illicit and controlled substances were found as well as a firearm, and other weapons.
Tricia Karpluk, 39, has been charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime, Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime under $5,000, Possess a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Store a Firearm in a Careless Manner, and Possess a Firearm knowing the derail number has been removed.
Both Betthel and Karpluk appeared in court on Wednesday, April 28.
The investigation began in March 2021 and involved the Saskatoon Integrated Crime Reduction Team (ICRT), Prince Albert Gang Task Force, and the Melfort and Tisdale RCMP detachments.
“The amount of drugs seized represents around 4,068 individual sales of Methamphetamine, 992 individual sales of cocaine and about 3,062 potential street levels sales of Fentanyl,” said RCMP Sgt. Kory Davidsen of the Saskatoon ICRT in a release. “We expect that this seizure of drugs will have a significant impact on the communities surrounding Melfort, Tisdale and the cities of Prince Albert and Saskatoon.”
A number of other organizations were also involved.
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mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @matbarrett6
