Project Forseti informant facing 26 weapons charges

A former informant who helped Saskatoon police bring down organized criminals in the Project Forseti case is now facing 26 weapons-related charges.

Noel Harder, 39, was arrested Tuesday evening after police received reports of a man driving an SUV with a gun.

Police said in a release Wednesday morning they found the SUV parked near the intersection of Powe Street and Rayner Avenue around 5:45 p.m. and conducted a high-risk traffic stop.

The driver was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, ammunition, a knife, an imitation firearm, bear spray, an axe and an undisclosed amount of fentanyl.

Harder was vice president of the Fallen Saints motorcycle gang and was working with the Hell’s Angels when he began working with police in Project Forseti.

The former cocaine dealer recorded conversations with other gang members, leading to raids in January 15 and charges against 14 men.

Harder later sued the federal government and RCMP for breaking promises when he was placed into witness protection, claiming officials endangered his life.

When reached by phone Thursday, Harder’s lawyer Tony Merchant said he wasn’t aware of the charges against his client.

“As I understand it, (Harder) had indicated that for his own defence he needed to have a weapon and the prosecutor knew that,” he said.

Harder is expected to make his third court appearance Thursday afternoon in Saskatoon Provincial Court.