A pair of high-tech drug drops at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary was foiled by Saskatchewan RCMP. The seizure of drugs and the delivery drone has also resulted in the arrests of three individuals following separate investigations in Prince Albert.
In early July, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team (CRT) received a report of a potential delivery of drugs to the Saskatchewan Penitentiary by drone.
On July 9, 2025, officers with Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert CRT, Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Rosthern Detachment executed a search warrant at a residence in Laird, SK in relation to the investigation.
Officers located and seized approximately 172 grams of methamphetamine; 112 grams of cannabis concentrate, also known as shatter; a drone; a laptop; and cell phones.
Two adult males and two adult females were arrested at the residence.
As a result of investigation, Amy Clemens, 36, from Laird, SK is charged with one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine. The remaining individuals were released without charges. Clemens is scheduled to appear in Rosthern Provincial Court on August 27, 2025.
Then on July 13, Prince Albert RCMP received a report that a drone, originating from a vehicle, had dropped a package within the grounds of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.
Officers responded immediately, located the suspect vehicle on Lincoln Park Road and initiated a traffic stop. The adult female driver and adult male passenger were arrested.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized a drone and cell phones.
Following further investigation, officers recovered a second drone that had crashed near the penitentiary and a package that had been dropped inside the grounds. Officers seized approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine and 30 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Kendra Bartsch, a 31-year-old female from Garson Lake, SK, and Justin Foster, a 38-year-old male from Biggar, SK, are each charged with:
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one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
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one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system without holding a valid pilot certificate, Section 901.04(1), Canadian Aviation Regulations;
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one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system in controlled airspace without authorization from the appropriate air traffic control unit, Section 901.14(1), Canadian Aviation Regulations; and
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one count, operate a remotely piloted aircraft system over the security perimeter of an emergency operation without authorization, Section 901.11, Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Kendra Bartsch and Justin Foster made their first appearance in Prince Albert Provincial Court on July 15, 2025.
“Saskatchewan RCMP ensured these harmful drugs couldn’t enter a federal institution – where they’re just as dangerous as they are on the street,” says S/Sgt. Éric Desfossés, Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams’ (SERT) north region manager. “These investigations are great examples of how specialized units and frontline RCMP officers are working side-by-side to combat drug trafficking, wherever and however it’s occurring,”