Saskatchewan’s provincially funded specialized policing teams seized dozens of guns and kilograms of illegal drugs in the first six months of 2025, according to new mid-year results released Thursday.
Between January and June, municipal Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs) and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRTs) seized 73 firearms, more than 14 kilograms of cocaine, and 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine from operations in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina. Officers charged 91 people with 445 offences.
“The results from our municipal specialized policing teams show the province’s coordinated, targeted approach to tackling illegal drugs, weapons and human trafficking cases is making a difference,” said Legislative Secretary Responsible for Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Michael Weger, speaking on behalf of Minister Tim McLeod, K.C. “Our government is proud to support these officers as they work tirelessly to protect the safety and security of Saskatchewan families and communities.”
CRTs focus on street gangs and prolific offenders, while STRTs investigate illegal weapons, drugs, and human trafficking. Three municipal CRT and STRT teams currently operate in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon.
Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier said the provincially funded positions are essential to addressing crime in his city.
“The continued success of our CRT and enhanced policing initiatives underscores the ongoing need for specialized investigative capacity within the Prince Albert Police Service,” Nogier said. “Illicit drugs and firearms remain a persistent threat to the safety and wellbeing of our community, and our frontline officers are increasingly confronted by the complex, organized networks that facilitate their distribution. These provincially-funded positions are critical to our ability to target high-risk offenders, disrupt drug trafficking operations, and remove illegal weapons from our streets. Sustained investment in these specialized resources is essential to maintaining momentum in our enforcement efforts and safeguarding our community.”
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In the first half of the year, municipal STRTs opened 62 human trafficking files and initiated 59 interventions.
In February, Prince Albert’s CRT, supported by STRT officers and other police agencies, concluded a months-long investigation into drug trafficking. Police executed search warrants at several properties, seizing more than three kilograms of cocaine, nearly nine kilograms of marijuana from a grow operation, psilocybin, MDMA, firearms, cash and drug-trafficking paraphernalia. Two people were charged with drug, firearms and proceeds of crime offences.
Regina Police Service Acting Chief Lorilee Davies said collaboration is key to the teams’ success.
“Our officers remain committed to taking dangerous weapons and illicit drugs off our streets,” Davies said. “Working together with our policing, community and government partners is key to continuing this important, life-saving work.”
On June 5, Regina’s CRT executed a search warrant at a residence known for drug-related activity, with assistance from the Specialized Weapons and Tactics team and Aerial Support Unit. Police seized nearly 600 grams of meth, more than $7,000 in cash, a loaded handgun, 10 long guns, ammunition and prohibited weapons. Two individuals were arrested.