Category: Canadian Mounted Police

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A 68-year-old man, who was reported as a suspected impaired driver, was arrested at a residence yesterday by Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP for impaired driving.

Shortly before 7:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a suspected impaired driver. The described vehicle and driver were located at a residence a short time after the report was received. The man showed signs of impairment and was arrested for impaired driving.

At the detachment, he provided breath samples that were above the legal limit. He was released from custody and is set to attend court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired driving. The man received a licence suspension and the vehicle was seized and impounded.

RCMP NL reminds motorists that under the Criminal Code of Canada, police have the authority to demand breath samples of a suspected impaired driver up to two hours after the time of driving.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

September 26, 2023 Montague – RCMP in Kings District arrested three youth on Sunday September 24 on two separate vehicle theft investigations.

Two youth were arrested in a car stolen from Murray River on September 24. They have both been charged with theft of a motor vehicle and trespass at night.

A third youth was arrested following an unrelated investigation of a stolen vehicle from Kinross. This youth was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft of articles from a motor vehicle, obstructing a peace officer and several breaches of an undertaking.

Two youth were remanded into custody until their next court hearing September 26. The other one will appear in court at a later date.

RCMP remind Islanders to remove any valuables from your car, lock your doors and always secure your keys.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 24, 2023, at approximately 1:00 pm, Island Lake RCMP received a report of a plane crash, a short distance from Red Sucker Lake airport.

A plane passing over, noticed the downed plane and reported it.

RCMP secured a helicopter from Customs Helicopter Limited to assist.

Two RCMP officers, along with a pilot from Customs Helicopter flew to the area and located the float plane. Due to the bog, the helicopter could not land, but was able to hover just above the ground long enough to bring the pilot to safety.

The 64-year-old male pilot was the only occupant on the plane and was not physically injured.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has been notified.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Elk Point RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating missing 5-year-old male, Jager Cross-Memnook. Jager was last seen in his residence on Frog Lake First Nation at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2023. Elk Point RCMP would like to locate Jager and reunite him with his family.

Jager is described as:

• 3’6″ tall
• 60 lbs
• red hair
• pale complexion
• non verbal

Jager was last seen wearing a light blue Nike sweater and Paw Patrol pyjama bottoms.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Jager, please contact the Elk Point RCMP Detachment at 780-724-3964. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

As part of ongoing enforcement efforts in the Prince Albert area, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) continued efforts to locate and arrest 31-year-old Craig McDonald.

On September 22, WEST determined McDonald was in a residence on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Investigators obtained a warrant to enter the residence and arrest McDonald. With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), officers approached the residence and surrounded it. McDonald exited the residence, holding a loaded firearm. He resisted arrest and officers deployed a conducted energy weapon to bring him into custody safely. Two other individuals were also arrested at the residence.

A search warrant was then executed at the residence. Officers located and seized two additional loaded firearms.

As a result of continued investigation, Craig McDonald is charged with:

• four count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code;
• two counts, possession of firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(3), Criminal Code;
• one count, possession of firearm with a tampered serial number, Section 108(2), Criminal Code;
• four counts, possession of firearm while prohibited, Section 117.01(3), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code.

23-year-old Xavier Smith from Sturgeon Lake is charged with:

• one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.

The third individual arrested was released without charge.

Officers and staff from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatoon WEST, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Montreal Lake CRT and additional Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) support teams assisted in this investigation and subsequent arrest.

“This arrest was a dynamic situation. The fact that no one was injured after a male exited a house holding a loaded firearm speaks to the professionalism and high level of training exhibited by the SERT and CIRT officers,” says S/Sgt. Ryan How, SERT’s North Region Manager. “Locating this wanted male is a result of the ongoing highly-coordinated effort between SERT, CIRT, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, Prince Albert RCMP, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP and other supporting units. Residents in the Prince Albert, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake and Ahtahkakoop areas can expect to see an increased police presence as our efforts continue. We’re committed to providing more updates on our work in these communities as we are able to.”

Background:

The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) consists of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). SERT will help the Saskatchewan RCMP continue to fulfil its mandate as the province’s police service – keeping our communities safe.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Today on Cybertip Awareness Day, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is encouraging everyone to learn what financial sextortion is, to understand how to protect yourself and those around you, and know how to report this crime.

Financial sextortion is a form of blackmail that involves someone online threatening to send a sexual image or video of you to other people if you do not pay them.

The unfortunate truth is that this type of crime is trending. It is a public safety crisis for Canadians, specifically our youth. It is a crime where anyone, including children, can be victimized through their phones, gaming consoles and computers. They can be targeted in their homes, their classrooms, and in other public places. This serves as a good reminder to practice online safety by using privacy settings on social media accounts and to not add or follow people unknown to you.

While everyone is at risk of financial sextortion, recent findings suggest that young boys have represented the majority of cases in the last year. According to Cybertip.ca, Canada’s tip line, 91% of sextortion incidents affected boys. It is important to remember that while boys represent the majority of reported victims, anyone can be victimized. Also remember that you are not alone – if this has happened to you, there is help and there is life after images.

What to do if you are being financially sextorted:

• Stop all communication with the offender
• Reach out to a trusted adult, and report to cybertip.ca or your local police. You won’t be in trouble with law enforcement and you are not the one to blame in this situation. By reporting it, you can help to make it stop
• Do not comply with any threats, do not send money or more images.
  • According to an open source analysis by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection of 6,500 first-hand accounts shared publicly on a popular victim support forum, complying with an extorter’s demands often leads to frequent future demands
• Deactivate, but do not delete your social media account or images
• Save a copy of any images you sent, and take screenshots of the messages and the person’s profile including username
• Trust your instincts, practice caution when communicating online
• There is life after images
  • The offender might make you feel like your life is over or you may not see the way forward right now, but you are not alone and life can and will go on after these threats. These offenders are smart, but law enforcement is working together to fight against these crimes

Even though financial sextortion is committed virtually, it can have serious impacts offline. After the threats and aggression, victims can feel alone, ashamed, scared, and sometimes desperate – to the point where they can harm themselves. Countless children and adults in Canada and around the world have been threatened this way. There are resources and supports available to help. You are not alone.

If you need help, there are resources available to you:

• Cybertip.ca provides information on staying safe online and how to report any concerns. You can provide your name and contact information, or complete the form anonymously
• Cybertip.ca also manages Project Arachnid. This program helps victims have their images removed if they are shared publicly
• Don’t Get Sextorted has information on staying safe and getting help
• Need Help Now provides information on emotional support, reporting, helping a friend, and answering frequently asked questions
• Public Safety Canada provides youth, parents and caregivers with educational resources on Online Dangers, including sextortion
• Kids Help Phone can provide urgent support in terms of emotional support and steps on what to do next
• The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has sextortion resources available to the public
• The Department of Justice’s Victim Services Directory can provide information on resources in your community available to victims of online child sexual exploitation

Quick facts

• Cybertip.ca has seen an 85% increase in sextortion reports between December 2022 and August 2023
• Cybertip.ca received 2,300 sextortion reports between September 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023, and are currently receiving an average of 40 reports per week

Quote

These types of crime have a lasting effect on its victims. Police in Canada and around the world are working together to address sextortion and protect our youth by educating the public about what is happening and what they can do to help curb this criminal activity. One of the most impactful things a victim can do is to report the crime. This isn’t the victim’s fault and there is no shame in being victimized by these criminals. We need you to know that police are here to help you and that there is life after images.

The RCMP continues to work with domestic and international law enforcement partners to help protect young people online. Sextortion and other forms of online child sexual exploitation can have serious implications, and we want young people to know that the police are here to support them. Police services around the world are united to fight against these crimes. We encourage everyone to report if this has happened to you, and know that you are not alone.

This is a public safety emergency; youth are being terrorized online and in some tragic cases, we are losing children to these predatory, unrelenting tactics. Offenders have been given direct access to our children through the platforms youth use every day – platforms that must be regulated by governments if we are to keep our kids safe. Until then, it is critical that parents keep talking to their teens about sextortion and reinforcing they can always come to you for help.

Quick links

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.

Saskatchewan RCMP — Your Provincial Police Service

Investigative Recap

September 14: Swift Current Rural RCMP received a report of a fraud. The victim received text messages from a stranger, who accused the victim of criminal activity and demanded money from them. The scammer threatened the victim and sent a photo of a masked, armed individual. The victim did not engage with the scammer and blocked the number. A similar, unrelated text message-based fraud was reported to Swift Current Rural RCMP in May 2023.

If you receive text messages from a scammer:

• Don’t text the scammer back.
• Block their phone number immediately.
• Don’t send them any money or gift cards.
• Keep records of the texts.
• Contact police.

Report frauds to your local RCMP detachment by dialling 310-RCMP. You can also report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm.

September 19: Saskatchewan RCMP responding to serious motor vehicle collision between Pilot Butte and Balgonie

September 19: Cut Knife RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on 4^th Street in Marsden as part of an ongoing investigation.

Officers located and seized approximately 138 grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 13 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 14 grams of suspected cocaine, trafficking paraphernalia, ammunition and firearm components.

As a result of continued investigation, 31-year-old Katelin Savard from Marsden is charged with:

• three counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• one count, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 92(3), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code.

She is scheduled to appear in court in Cut Knife on November 7, 2023.

September 20: Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant on Douglas Crescent in Saskatoon as part of an ongoing trafficking investigation.

Officers located and seized items including:

• approximately 409 grams of suspected cocaine;
• approximately 218 grams of suspected MDMA;
• approximately 150 grams of suspected psilocybin;
• a quantity of assorted pills;
• trafficking paraphernalia; and
• brass knuckles.

Several individuals were arrested at the residence.

As a result of continued investigation, 22-year-old Brendan Bauer from Martensville is charged with:

• four counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code.

He is scheduled to appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court on October 3, 2023.

The other individuals who were arrested were released without charge. The investigation continues.

September 20: La Ronge RCMP conducted a traffic stop in La Ronge. During the course of the investigation officers located and seized approximately 194 grams of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and a large sum of Canadian currency.

As a result of the investigation, La Ronge RCMP arrested and charged three individuals.

28-year-old Nhial Hoth from Saskatoon, 30-year-old Joch Pouk from Calgary and 30-year-old Sheldon Primeau from La Ronge are each charged with:

• one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
• one count, possession of the proceeds of crime, Section 354(1), Criminal Code.

Primeau is also charged with one count, fail to comply with a recognizance, Section 810.1, Criminal Code.

Pouk was also arrested on a Canada-wide warrant from Calgary for violating his parole.

All three men appeared in La Ronge Provincial Court on September 21, 2023.

September 20: Cut Knife RCMP: male charged after drugs, weapon seized during search warrant

September 20: Unity RCMP: two charged, firearms and illicit drugs seized after search warrant executed in Macklin

September 22: Charges laid/warrant for arrest: Big River RCMP investigating firearms-related incidents

September 23: At approximately 9:30 p.m., Carrot River RCMP received a call of a utility terrain vehicle rollover in the RM of Moose Range. Police, Carrot River Fire Department and Northeast EMS attended. An adult male passenger was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 25-year-old from Warman. His family has been notified. The driver and second passenger were taken to hospital for assessment. Carrot River RCMP continues to investigate.

September 24: At approximately 7 a.m., Maidstone RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Range Road 3273, south of Lone Rock, SK. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. He has been identified as a 24-year-old male form Lashburn, SK. His family has been notified. Maidstone RCMP continues to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

September 25: Southey RCMP: 46-year-old Strasbourg man charged with sexual offences involving a minor

Kindersley RCMP: charges laid in fatal collision

On September 12, 2023 at approximately 11:45 p.m., Kindersley RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Township Road 314, approximately seven kilometres west of Highway #21. Background is available in our September 18, 2023 weekly report.

As a result of continued investigation, 27-year-old Henry Kleinsasser from Coleville, SK is charged with:

• one count, operation while impaired causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;
• two counts, operation while impaired causing bodily harm, Section 320.13(2), Criminal Code;
• one count, dangerous operation of motor vehicle causing death, Section 320.14(2), Criminal Code; and
• two counts, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, Section 310.13(3), Criminal Code.

He is scheduled to appear in Kindersley Provincial Court on December 19, 2023.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Codiac Regional RCMP is asking for the public’s help to identify a man in connection with an armed robbery in Moncton.

On September 17, 2023, at approximately 10:55 p.m., members of the Codiac Regional RCMP responded to a report of robbery at the intersection of Lorne Street and Salter Avenue in Moncton. A taxi had picked up a man at the intersection of John Street and Vaughn Harvey Boulevard and when the man was driven to his destination, he brandished a weapon, assaulted the driver and demanded money. The man left the taxi with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene before police arrived.

The man is described as being approximately five feet ten inches (179 centimetres) tall and weighing approximately 280 lbs (127 kilograms) and spoke with a heavy accent.

Anyone who recognizes the description of the individual, who may have witnessed or was in the area at the time of the incident, or who may have security camera or dash cam footage from this time period, or who may have information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Codiac Regional RCMP at 506-857-2400. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On August 10, after a 16-month investigation led by the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Federal Policing section, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Buffalo, New York, arrested 37-year-old Ahmed El Kady in possession of 433 kilograms of cocaine destined for Canada. El Kady, who’s from Hamilton, Ontario, has ties to Nova Scotia’s drug trade.

“Working with the RCMP’s Federal Policing in Ontario, and partners across the country and in the USA, we disrupted a criminal network operating across the Canada-USA border and into our province,” says Superintendent Jason Popik, Federal Policing Criminal Operations Officer with the Nova Scotia RCMP. “As a result of this investigation, named Operation Heinze, fewer dangerous drugs will reach the streets of Atlantic Canada.”

American officials believe the investigation led to the largest cocaine bust ever seen in western New York state.

“This investigation and extraordinary seizure of cocaine disrupted a significant transnational criminal organization and drug pipeline into Nova Scotia,” says Matthew Scarpino, HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge. “HSI will continue to partner with the RCMP, CBSA, and other Canadian law enforcement agencies, to identify and dismantle criminal organizations operating throughout North America and abroad that exploit our shared border for illicit gain.”

RCMP’s Federal Policing in Ontario conducted subsequent searches associated to El Kady in the Hamilton and Niagara regions of Ontario, resulting in the seizure of additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking and money laundering.

In spring 2022, officers with the Nova Scotia RCMP’s Federal Policing unit identified a criminal group involving El Kady that was importing drugs into Canada from the United States. The network, which was considered to be one of the more sophisticated drug trafficking networks within Atlantic Canada, was facilitating the movement of imported cocaine throughout Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.

In May, Nova Scotia RCMP officers conducted a traffic stop near the Cobequid Pass and intercepted 40 kilograms of cocaine; the cocaine was on its way to the network’s dealers in Halifax. And on September 1, RCMP officers from Federal Policing in Nova Scotia executed multiple search warrants across the Halifax Regional Municipality. The searches resulted in the arrest of four people, who will face multiple drug related charges. The charges include, but are not limited to:

Participation in Activities of Criminal Organization

Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines) for the Purpose of Trafficking

Possess, produce, sell, import or transport anything intending that it will be used to produce a controlled substance or traffic in a controlled substance

Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling

Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Laundering Proceeds of Crime

Investigators seized four kilograms of cocaine, approximately $170,000 in cash, an estimated $120,000 in silver bars, multiple electronic devices, and six vehicles.

With the exception of El Kady, who remains in US custody, all arrested parties have since been released and will appear in court at a later date.

In addition to HSI, several groups assisted the RCMP with the investigation. Partnering organizations include Canada Border Services Agency in Nova Scotia, Fredericton Police Force, Public Services and Procurement Canada Forensic Accounting Management Group, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario, and Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia.

“As crime becomes increasingly borderless, it has never been more important for international police partners to work together,” says Chief Superintendent Mathieu Bertrand, Director General of Federal Policing Criminal Operations Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity. “It is collaborative efforts like Operation Heinze that ultimately keep both countries safe from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.”

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

As part of an investigation into a theft of items from a vehicle on September 24, 2023, Harbour Grace RCMP conducted a traffic stop, located the two suspects and arrested the driver for impaired driving.

Shortly before noon on Sunday, police received a report of a theft from a vehicle while parked on Adelaide Street in Carbonear. A number of items were stolen from inside the vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the involved vehicle.

Patrols were conducted by responding officers and the vehicle was located on Harvey Street in Harbour Grace. A traffic stop was conducted and two women, ages 42 and 26, who were found in possession of the stolen items, were arrested.

The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle showed signs of impairment and tested positive for cannabis on roadside drug screening equipment. She was transported to Carbonear General Hospital where samples of her blood were obtained. The investigation is continuing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate.

Both women were released from custody and are set to attend court at a later date to answer to charges in connection to the theft from vehicle. The driver faces charges of possession of property obtained by crime and a breach of probation. The passenger is facing a charge of theft under $5000.00. The stolen property was returned to its rightful owner.

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.