Multiple Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) units in Southern Saskatchewan began an investigation into cocaine trafficking in the Saskatoon area earlier this year.
As a result of continued investigation, officers arrested two adult males on June 27, then executed search warrants at two residences: one in Saskatoon and one in Martensville.
They located and seized:
- approximately 310 grams of cocaine;
- approximately 170 grams of psilocybin;
- approximately 41 grams of MDMA
- more than 17,000 illegal cigarettes;
- a handgun and a loaded clip;
- drug trafficking paraphernalia; and
- a large sum of cash.
As a result of continued investigation, 36-year-old Justin Maier from Martensville and 38-year-old Simon Chan from Saskatoon are each charged with:
- one count, trafficking cocaine, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Justin Maier is also charged with:
- one count, possession of a restricted device, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, careless storage of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, Section 95(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon obtained by the commission of an offence, Section 96(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of a firearm contrary to order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
Simon Chan is also charged with:
- one count, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession of MDMA for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession of a prohibited device, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of unstamped tobacco, Section 32(1), Excise Act; and
- one count, possession of unmarked tobacco, Section 11(8), Tobacco Tax Act.
Justin Maier and Simon Chan appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on June 28, 2024.
The Moose Jaw Crime Reduction Team (CRT), and the Swift Current and Yorkton Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT) collaborated on this ongoing investigation.
"These are highly specialized teams that target specific types of criminal activity within the province," says S/Sgt. Danny Donison, SERT's south Saskatchewan manager. "This is a significant seizure, one that highlights SERT's commitment to public safety through an intelligence-led approach in combatting serious crime within our communities."