RCMP arrest 12 in Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation searches

Saskatchewan RCMP arrested 12 people on September 17 and seized firearms and cocaine after searching three residences on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, according to a police release.

Prince Albert’s Crime Reduction Unit carried out the searches as part of a drug trafficking investigation, the release says. The unit called in the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team and Critical Incident Program to execute three warrants issued under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Officers seized six firearms: one shotgun, two carbines, two replica pistols and one sawed-off rifle, according to the release. They also recovered 28 grams of cocaine along with a quantity of cash.

Eleven of the 12 people arrested were released without charges, the release states.

Sheldon Ahenakew, 57, of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, faces multiple charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and several firearms offences. None of the charges against him have been proven in court.

Police said Ahenakew was remanded into custody, with his court appearance set for September 18 in Prince Albert.

Police said the case remains open and more charges could follow. The Prince Albert unit had help from Meadow Lake’s Crime Reduction Unit, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, the Emergency Response Team, the Critical Incident Program and the Prince Albert Police Service’s CRT, according to the release.