Category: Canada

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Around 9:00 p.m. January 6, 2025, the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, was notified by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) that a person illegally crossed into Saskatchewan from Montana, United States in a remote area south of Val Marie, Sask. The person then re-entered the United States illegally in the same location soon after and drove away in a truck. The vehicle was stopped by USBP officers and two adult male occupants were arrested.

While the arrests took place, RCMP IBET and Ponteix RCMP Detachment police officers conducted a search of the area in Saskatchewan where the crossing occurred. The officers located and seized a box containing a pistol that is prohibited in Canada.

Investigation determined the two adult males – Canadian citizens – entered the United States legally in early January at a designated port of entry. The males are not facing charges in the United States at this time. The males were returned to Canada and processed by Canadian Border Services Agency before being arrested by the RCMP on January 7.

Continued investigation included the execution of a search warrant at a residence on 9^th Avenue North in Saskatoon on January 8. Upon entry to the residence, RCMP officers found quantities of chemicals/compounds in several different locations and required the assistance of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Explosives Disposal Unit and RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab experts to dispose of them safely. Materials were seized and sent to Health Canada for further analysis. Also seized from the residence were four firearms, two of which are prohibited in Canada, and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.

19-year-old Nathaniel Rose of Calgary, Alberta and 19-year-old Arya Payendefar of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan are both charged with:

• 1 count, possession of a firearm without a license, section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, possession of prohibited devices without a license, section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, unauthorized import a firearm into Canada, section 103(2) of the Criminal Code
• 1 count, smuggle into Canada, clandestinely, a firearm, the importation of which is prohibited, controlled or regulated under the Customs Act or any other Act of Parliament, section 159(1) of the Customs Act

Information #24524286

This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may result. They will both appear in Swift Current Provincial Court next on February 12, 2025.

“This is an excellent example of how collaboration and pro-active action can quickly develop into a significant investigation involving many agencies and span across borders and communities. It highlights how vital policing relationships are in disrupting criminal activity and keeping the public safe on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border,” shares Superintendent Andrew Farquhar with RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region in Saskatchewan.

Assisting the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, with this investigation is Ponteix RCMP Detachment, Saskatchewan RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit and Saskatchewan RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service’s Clandestine Lab teams, Canadian Border Services Agency and United States Border Patrol. We thank our partners for their ongoing collaboration and assistance.

Fast facts:

• RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) is dedicated to border enforcement in Saskatchewan and is part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region. IBET works to identify, investigate and interdict persons, organizations or goods that threaten the national security of either country or that are involved in organized crime.
• Attached are images of the firearms located and seized.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Following a report of a suspicious person at the NF Power substation in Mobile, 41-year-old John Hastie was arrested by Ferryland RCMP on January 11, 2025, for an attempted break and enter.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, police received a report of suspicious activity at the site from a security company. A man was observed on the property attempting to break in. Police located the described man at the property, who was identified as Hastie, and confirmed that he was currently on probation.

Hastie attends court today and is charged with break and enter and breach of probation.

RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Annapolis District RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged a West Dalhousie man with multiple offences after executing a search warrant at a home in Bridgetown.

On January 9, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, the Annapolis District RCMP SCEU, in conjunction with the Valley Integrated SCEU and Annapolis County RCMP detachments, executed a search warrant at a residence on Morse Rd.

Officers safely arrested a man outside the home and searched the property.

During the search, RCMP officers seized four shot guns; four rifles; five conducted energy weapons; a crossbow; a knife; a switchblade; brass knuckles; quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and psilocybin; drug paraphernalia; and cash. The items, along with the man’s vehicle, were seized.

Ryan Laviolette, 36, appeared before a judge on January 9 and was remanded into custody pending a court appearance in Annapolis Royal today.

Laviolette is facing multiple charges, including:

• Careless Use of a Firearm (16 counts)
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (16 counts)
• Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized (16 counts)
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (8 counts)
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (8 counts)
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)
• Breach of Probation

The investigation is ongoing.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Note: The Valley Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit is comprised of members of the Kings District RCMP and the Kentville Police Service.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A 75-year-old man is deceased following a single-vehicle crash that occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway near South Brook on January 10, 2025.

Shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Springdale RCMP received the report of the crash. Upon arrival, police observed a truck resting on its side down over an embankment. Three passengers were outside the vehicle and two other passengers, including the driver, remained inside the truck. Officers assisted with the removal of the driver from the vehicle and performed CPR on the remaining vehicle occupant, who died at the scene.

A Collision Reconstructionist with RCMP Traffic Services attended the scene and the Chief Medical Examiner was engaged.

Road and weather conditions were reported as being poor with reduced visibility and slippery roads at the time of the crash. The investigation is continuing.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit has charged a man with Murder (second degree).

On January 11, at approximately 3 a.m., Kings District RCMP, Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, and EHS, responded to a report of a structure fire on Anthony Ave. in Centreville. Upon arrival, first responders observed that a home was engulfed in flames and fire crews were able to extinguish the fire. Six people were able to escape the home safely prior to the arrival of first responders and none were injured.

During the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old woman was located deceased inside the home. From the initial information and evidence gathered, investigators believed that both the death and the fire were suspicious in nature. The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit (MCU) took carriage of the investigation and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the woman’s death was the result of homicide. The woman’s death was the result of intimate partner violence.

On January 11, at approximately 12 p.m., at the request of Southwest Nova RCMP MCU, Annapolis District RCMP located and arrested a 28-year-old man on Hwy. 8 near Lequille. The man was transported to the Bridgetown RCMP Detachment and was later transferred to the New Minas RCMP Detachment, where he remained in custody overnight.

On January 12, Justin Joseph Benjamin, of Centreville, was charged with Murder and Arson with Disregard to Human Life. Benjamin has been remanded into custody and will appear in Kentville Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on January 13.

The investigation is continuing and is being assisted by Kings District RCMP, Annapolis District RCMP, the Kentville Police Service, the Northeast Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Fire Marshal, and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

We encourage anyone experiencing, or at risk of, intimate partner violence to reach out. Support is available across Nova Scotia and can be accessed by dialing 211, calling the provincial toll-free line at 1-855-225-0220, or visiting Nova Scotia 211 online. You can access support anonymously.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

Our thoughts continue to remain with the victim’s loved ones, and the community, at this difficult time.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 11, at approximately 3 a.m., Kings District RCMP, Kentville Volunteer Fire Department, and EHS, responded to a report of a structure fire on Anthony Avenue in Centreville. Upon arrival, first responders observed that a home was engulfed in flames and fire crews were able to extinguish the fire.

During the course of the investigation, a person was located deceased inside the home. From the initial information and evidence gathered, investigators believe that both the death and fire are suspicious in nature.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit, assisted by Kings District RCMP, Annapolis District RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Fire Marshal, and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 902-679-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

File #: 2025-46453

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Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Nova Scotia RCMP
rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Halifax Regional Fire is assisting in the investigation of house fire that occurred in Lower Sackville.

At approximately 3:10 a.m. on January 11, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, EHS and Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a house fire on Riverside Drive in Lower Sackville. Two occupants of the home, a 37-year-old female and a 2-year-old child, safely exited the home and were not injured. A third occupant of the home, a 40-year-old man, was rescued by his neighbour and transported to hospital by EHS and remains in critical condition. Fire services rescued three young children, aged 5, 6, and 9, all children were transported to hospital via EHS.

The fire remains under investigation and investigators will remain on scene to continue to gather information and evidence.

The investigation is being assisted by the Nova Scotia Office of the Fire Marshal, the RCMP/HRP Criminal Investigation Division, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, and RCMP Forensic Identification Services.

File #: 24-4650

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Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Nova Scotia RCMP
rcmpns-grcne@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Images

On December 31, 2024, Saskatoon RCMP located and arrested Martin Oochoo near Dundurn, SK.

He appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on December 31, 2024.

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Backgrounder

Yorkton RCMP seeking public’s assistance locating unlawfully-at-large male

2024-12-26

Yorkton RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an adult male who is an inmate of Whitespruce Provincial Training Centre. Staff noticed 36-year-old Martin Oochoo was not present at the facility on December 25 and reported the incident to police.

Since his absence was reported to police, Yorkton RCMP have been working to locate him and are now asking the public to report sightings and information on his whereabouts.

Oochoo is now considered unlawfully at large and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Oochoo is described as approximately 5’9″ and 165 pounds, with brown eyes. He has a tattoo of a rose on his neck and of a cross on his upper right arm.

He is known to visit Regina, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Martin Oochoo is asked to contact their local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 9, 2025 at approximately 6:15 a.m., Meadow Lake RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Highway #55, just east of Flying Dust First Nation.

Officers responded along with Meadow Lake Fire Department and EMS. The sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 40-year-old male from Meadow Lake, SK. His family has been notified.

Meadow Lake RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Highway #55 was temporarily closed but has since been re-opened.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

An adult male is facing drug trafficking charges after Saskatchewan RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Yorkton, SK.

On January 7, 2025 officers from the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Yorkton Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) arrested an adult male in Yorkton as part on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. While searching the individual and his vehicle, officers located and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, cash and evidence of drug trafficking.

On January 8, 2025 officers from Yorkton STRT executed a search warrant at a residence on Fietz Street in Yorkton in relation to the investigation. While searching the residence, officers located and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, cash and other evidence of drug trafficking.

In total, Yorkton STRT located and seized nearly 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 936.5 grams of cocaine, 133 grams of fentanyl and approximately $6,000 in cash.

As a result of investigation, 20-year-old Taranpreet Singh of Yorkton, SK is facing the following charges:

• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
• one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.

Taranpreet Singh made his first appearance in Yorkton Provincial Court on January 9, 2025.