Seven people are facing charges after police discovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash during a drug bust Monday in three northeast Saskatchewan communities.
Officers with Saskatchewan’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit discovered more than $230,000 in cash along with marijuana and cocaine during searches of two homes and a business in Mistatim, a business in Tisdale along with a business located in Arborfield, RCMP said in a news release.
In addition to the cash, police seized 32 pounds of marijuana and two ounces of cocaine, along with three commercial properties, four residences and five vehicles during the searches that wrapped up a nine-month investigation. Monday's operation involved 67 officers from RCMP and other Saskatchewan law enforcement agencies.
Three people were scheduled to appear Tuesday morning in Melfort Provincial Court charged with various drug trafficking and possession-related charges
Evan William Ashown, 49, of Mistatim, is charged with trafficking and possession for the purpose of trafficking of both marijuana and cocaine, along with possession of proceeds of crime as well as money laundering.
Also charged is 48-year-old Pamela Diana Ashdown of Mistatim who is accused of possession for the purpose of trafficking of both marijuana and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, along with possession of proceeds of crime and money laundering.
Adam Clayton John Arthur, 33, of Caragana faces charges of marijuana trafficking and possession along with possessing the proceeds of crime.
Four more people arrested during the searches are to be released after appearing before a Justice of the Peace.
Sheena Elsa Ashdown, 25, and Christopher Ryan Simmons, 29, both of Mistatim, are charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
Amanda Wiens, 20, of Mistatim is charged with possession of proceeds of crime while Richard Renaud, 52 of Mistatim was arrested for possession of marijuana for trafficking.
