Two North Battleford men are facing drug and firearm charges following a search warrant execution that resulted in the seizure of cocaine and a loaded sawed-off firearm.
Saskatchewan RCMP said its North Battleford Crime Reduction Team-Gang Task Force, assisted by the Critical Incident Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence on 102 Street on Dec. 19 as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
Police said officers seized approximately 198 grams of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, a loaded sawed-off firearm, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a sum of cash during the search. The substances will be sent to Health Canada for further testing.
Seven people were arrested at the residence. Five were later released without charge.
As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Darby Johnson of North Battleford is charged with possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, unsafe storage of firearms, two counts of weapons possession contrary to order, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
RCMP also charged 27-year-old Korben Oliynyk of North Battleford. He faces charges of possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, unsafe storage of firearms, weapons possession contrary to order, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
Johnson and Oliynyk appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Dec. 22.
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