CRT units have ‘substantially committed’ to reducing organized crime says Prince Albert police chief
Daily Herald Staff
Officers from Saskatchewan’s municipal Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs) and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team had seized 67 firearms, more than 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl from Saskatchewan communities last year July to December 2024.
Officers also charged 89 people with a total of 475 criminal charges.
There are currently three municipal CRT and STRT teams operating out of Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. Prince Albert Police Service Chief Patrick Nogier said the provincially funded CRTs and STRTs continue to play a critical role in enhancing public safety across the province, including Prince Albert.
“These specialized units provide the resources and flexibility needed for officers to focus on 21st century policing initiatives,” Nogier said in a press release. “In Prince Albert, their ongoing efforts have substantially contributed to reducing drug trafficking, removing illegal firearms and disrupting organized crime.”
Nogier added that the impact reflects the dedication of the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety in supporting proactive policing initiatives that protect our communities and promote long-term public safety.
CRTs are dedicated to targeting street gangs and prolific offenders while responding to urban and rural crime surges when needed.
STRT investigates illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking cases. Between July and December 2024, municipal STRTs opened 19 human trafficking files and initiated 21 human trafficking interventions.
One of their biggest busts came on Oct. 24, 2024 when the Prince Albert CRT executed two search warrants, charged two suspects, and seized more than 1,200 grams of cocaine. Officers also seized $39,000 in cash, more than 1,300 grams of cutting agent, two firearms, and other evidence related to drug trafficking.
In a press release, Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod applauded Saskatchewan CRTs for their work.
“These numbers highlight the tireless efforts of our specialized policing teams in Saskatchewan and the positive impact they are having on our neighborhoods’ and communities,” said McLeod.
“We are proud to continue supporting provincial law enforcement initiatives, and we are grateful for the work that is done by our municipal police services every day in support of community safety and wellbeing.”
Other large busts involved the Saskatoon Police CRT, who seized $69,000 in cash, roughly 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 470 grams of powdered cocaine, among other drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Police made the seizure on Nov. 27, 2024. It resulted in 15 charges being laid.
The Saskatoon Police Service is appreciative of provincial funding and support that allows us to enhance our policing efforts, invest in critical resources, and ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep our neighbourhoods safe,” Saskatoon Police Service Chief Cameron McBride said in the press release. “It is not just an investment in law enforcement – it is an investment in the safety and wellbeing of all of our communities.”
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
