Several face drug trafficking charges after 9 month investigation
The Saskatoon Integrated Crime Reduction Team and the SPS Drug Unit, in partnership with the Calgary Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit, in an inter-provincial joint investigation, have concluded a nine month investigation regarding a sophisticated drug network.
The offences, are in relation to Organized Crime, Trafficking in Cocaine, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl and Possession of Proceeds of Crime and took place in both Saskatoon and Calgary over a six week period in the spring of 2021.
The project was deemed Project Octane in Saskatoon and included partners within the Saskatoon Police Service and the RCMP F Division.
On April 8th, 2021, five search warrants were issued in Saskatoon in relation to Project Octane at residences in the 100 block of Fast Crescent, the 200 block of Willis Crescent, the 1100 block of College Drive, the 300 block of 5th Avenue North, and a hotel room in the 400 block of 2nd Avenue South.
The investigation yielded the following significant evidentiary seizures in Saskatoon:
$226,600 cash
4177.96 grams of Cocaine
166.99 grams of Fentanyl
67.06 grams of Methamphetamine
568.92 grams of Marijuana
Six Vehicles
In July of 2021 the group were charged in Saskatoon as follows:
26-year-old Japjee Minhas, 26-year-old Ali Sarfraz, 28-year-old Rajandeep Singh, 21-year-old Gurkeert Hehar and 23-year-old Andrew Karamat all face charges of:
Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking of Methamphetamine and Cocaine
Trafficking of Cocaine and Methamphetamine
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Cocaine, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
Commission of an Offence for the Benefit of Criminal Organization
Japjee Minhas is facing an additional charged:
Directing an Offence for a Criminal Organization
28-year-old Rachel Kidd was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Cocaine.
SINGLE SOURCE, NEAR VERBATIM, PHOTO SOURCE: SASKATOON POLICE SERVICE