12 people charged in connection with large drug bust in southeast Sask.

Twelve people – nine men, one woman and three teenage boys – are facing a total of 44 charges, and around $100,000 in cocaine was seized after an investigation by the Estevan Police Service Drug Unit.

The drug unit conducted a three week investigation in November into two major drug-trafficking groups from B.C. as well as street level traffickers within Estevan.

“They were, what we believe, to be the biggest suppliers of cocaine in this city anyhow,” said Paul Ladouceur, Estevan Chief of Police, adding the police believe both groups were working independently.

Ladouceur said it was concerning youths, two 16-year-olds and one 17-year old, were involved.

“That’s school age and obviously the concern then becomes are we seeing an increase in drugs, and not necessarily marijuana but moving up the line to cocaine and so forth, in our school systems?”

Throughout the investigation, police arrested and charged:

• Carson Norman Clifford Pelletier, 27, of Surrey, B.C.
• Dylan Thomas Churly, 26, of Chilliwack, B.C.
• Devon Jonathon Bailey, 33, of Calgary, Alta.
• Nicholas Jordan Boscoe, 21, of Burnaby, B.C.
• Brooke Turner, 21, of Terrace, B.C.
• Chase Velestuk (Monteyne), 18, of Estevan
• Jaden Lee Monteyne, 19, of Estevan
• Kevin Michael Jardine, 26, of Estevan
• Jonathon Flath, 25, of Estevan

The teens cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. 

Over the three week investigation, four search warrants were executed. The police seized approximately $100,000 worth of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, around $20,000 in Canadian currency, one vehicle, one weapon and numerous cell phones.

Ladouceur said undercover cops were used in the investigation. He also stated the work of the drug unit continues.

“Drug traffickers be forewarned because if you choose to traffic, you’re going to get caught.”