Three people are facing charges following a three-month investigation by the Saskatoon Integrated Drug Enforcement Street Team (SIDEST).

From August to October, members of SIDEST were investigating drug trafficking. On October 11, 2018, members of SIDEST arrested two men and a woman in a vehicle in the area of Ruth Street and Lorne Avenue after observing activity that was consistent with drug trafficking. Officers located multiple cell phones, over $10,000 in cash, as well as marihuana, cocaine and a can of bear spray.

As a result of the arrests, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 100 block of Maningas Bend and Police seized; 27 ounces of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, seven ounces of cocaine packaged for distribution, 6 fentanyl pills, a scale, vacuum sealer, mixing materials and over $20,000 in cash. Police also located 2,390 fake oxycontin pills that were a light green in colour.

Preliminary testing on the light green pills identified the presence of carfentanil. Additional testing will be conducted to confirm this. An image is attached for reference on the lighter colour.

Carfentanil is a derivative of fentanyl, but can be 100 times more powerful and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Exposure to a very small amount of this drug could be fatal through ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin. Carfentanil is regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

As has been said in the past, the Saskatoon Police Service wishes to remind the public of the dangers of consuming illicit drugs from unregulated sources. Any drug that is not prescribed by a doctor or dispensed by a pharmacist can pose a serious risk of injury or death.

Two men, ages 27 and 28, and a 24-year-old woman are facing drug-related charges. (Court Info # 991068270, 991068298)

SIDEST is an integrated unit with RCMP ‘F’ Division.

(Occurrence Number: 18-83812)

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