On March 31, 2023, Montreal Lake RCMP responded to the report of a single vehicle collision involving an SUV on Highway 2, near the Waskesiu River bridge, a few kilometres north of the Montreal Lake turn.
Upon arrival, officers located an SUV stuck in a ditch.
The male driver and female passenger identified themselves to police. As officers were investigating, they observed signs of apparent drug trafficking activity in the vehicle. Officers entered into an impaired operation investigation.
As a result of the investigation, the female was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.
The driver fled from police on foot and officers have been working diligently to locate him. His identity cannot be confirmed at this time as he provided false identification to police.
The male appeared to be approximately 5'6" weighing approximately 160 lbs with a medium build. He had brown coloured eyes and black hair. He also appeared to have face tattoos but could not be clearly identified. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.
A subsequent search of the driver and the passenger resulted in officers locating approximately 242.54 grams of methamphetamine, 21.33 grams of cocaine, a sum of cash, and items consistent with drug trafficking activity including two cell phones, a digital scale, and score sheets.
29-year-old Gailynn Ratte (passenger), of Pinehouse Lake SK, was charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I: Methamphetamine, contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- Possession of property obtained by Crime over $5,000.00, contrary to Sec. 354(1) of the Criminal Code; and
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Schedule I: Cocaine, contrary to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Ratte made her first appearance in court in Waskesiu via telephone on April 3, 2023. She is scheduled to appear next in court April 4, 2023, in Prince Albert.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Montreal Lake RCMP at (306) 663-4400 or by calling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing.