On November 29, 2023, the Swift Current Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) executed a search warrant at a residence in Swift Current as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
Officers located and seized approximately 42 grams of pharmaceutical style tablets investigators determined contain fentanyl and cocaine, approximately 4.6 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, approximately 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a sum of cash, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Two adults were arrested at the scene without incident.
30-year-old Samantha Nastuk from Swift Current and 35-year-old Derek Ruest from Swift Current are charged with:
- two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- two counts, trafficking, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- one count, possessing the proceeds of crime less than $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Samantha Nastuk was also charged with one count, fail to comply with release order, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
Both Samantha Nastuk and Derek Ruest are scheduled to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on December 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Swift Current Municipal and Rural Detachments and Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services assisted in this investigation.
Background:
The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) consists of Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). SERT will help the Saskatchewan RCMP continue to fulfil its mandate as the province's police force – keeping our communities safe.