On November 14, 2024 at approximately 11:50 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP's Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) were making proactive patrols and conducted a traffic stop on Highway #16 near Maidstone, SK.
During subsequent investigation with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP police dog, officers located and seized approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine and a sum of cash inside the vehicle.
The adult male driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene.
As a result of continued investigation, 31-year-old Gurvarun Matharu from Surrey, BC is charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Gurvarun Matharu appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on November 15, 2024.
"This investigation illustrates the ability of our traffic officers to disrupt criminal activity on Saskatchewan roadways. The officers – with the help of a police dog – used keen investigative skills to remove over 50 kilograms of cocaine from the illegal market," says Supt. Grant St. Germaine, the officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. "Traffic officers aren't just helping to ensure the safety of our roads – they are also dismantling criminal operations to help keep our communities safe, as well."