Charges are anticipated after six drug searches were carried out in Regina on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
As part of an extensive drug investigation, Regina Police Service members executed CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) warrants at approximately 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the following locations: 1353 Cornwall Street; 2139 Albert Street; 1857 Park Street; 1920 C Francis Street; 828 Dewdney Avenue, and 6300 Dewdney Avenue. The searches were carried out without incident.
The Regina Police Service was assisted in the searches by members of the Province’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program, or SCAN. As a result of the searches, police seized a substantial amount of evidence of illegal drug trafficking, cash and evidence of illegal commercial business activity. Although there were individuals temporarily detained while the searches were being carried out, there were no charges laid last night. It’s anticipated there will be charges at the conclusion of the investigation.
This complex enforcement operation was preceded by a public education campaign which included: a news conference on January 24, 2018; a webpage hosted on the Regina Police Service website; letters delivered to the operators of illegal storefronts selling cannabis; and letters to the owners of the properties where these businesses were located. The goal of the public education campaign was to achieve compliance with existing Canadian legislation. The majority of dispensaries complied with the request to cease selling cannabis. Those that did not were subject to further investigation leading to the six CDSA searches on March 28th.
This investigation will continue, including consultation with the Federal Crown. At this time, charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.