Saskatchewan RCMP's Swift Current Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) has laid charges against two individuals after seizing 31 firearms from a residence in Lafleche, SK and a rural yard site south of the town.
On November 8, 2024 at approximately 11:25 a.m., officers from Saskatchewan RCMP's Swift Current STRT, Police Dog Services (PDS), Gravelbourg Detachment, National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) and the Regina Police Service Crime Reduction Team executed search warrants at a residence and rural yard site as part of an ongoing investigation.
Officers located and seized 31 firearms, all of which were stored unsafely and/or loaded, ammunition, brass knuckles, five prohibited devices and a small amount of psilocybin. A stolen vehicle was also recovered.
Two adult males and one adult female were arrested at the residence. One adult male was released without charges.
As a result of investigation, Jason Palmier, a 46-year-old male from Lafleche, and Amanda Johnson, a 38-year-old female from Lafleche, are each charged with:
- one count, careless storage of firearms, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, storing loaded firearms, Section 86(2) Criminal Code;
- one count, possessing firearms without a license, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possessing prohibited devices, Section 91(2), Criminal Code; and
- one count, knowingly possessing firearms without a license, Section 92(1), Criminal Code.
Jason Palmier is facing additional charges that include:
- one count, possessing a prohibited weapon, Section 91(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, careless storage of firearms, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possessing firearms without a license, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possessing prohibited devices, Section 91(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, knowingly possessing firearms without a license, Section 92(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Jason Palmier made his first court appearance in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on November 12, 2024. He is scheduled to appear again on December 12, 2024. Amanda Johnson is scheduled to appear in court in Assiniboia on January 9, 2025 (Information # 9046436).
Assiniboia RCMP also assisted with this investigation.
"This removal of dangerous weapons from our community is a prime example of how police services – and RCMP units – in Saskatchewan work collaboratively to promote public safety," says S/Sgt. Danny Donison, the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT) south region manager. "Our strong partnerships and valued relationships with other agencies continue to have significant impact on the communities we serve."
The Swift Current STRT is part of SERT, which includes Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Teams (WEST), as well as the STRT. SERT helps the Saskatchewan RCMP continue to fulfil its mandate as the province's police force – helping to keep our communities safe.