Sask. RCMP charge Wilkie man for copper theft from grain elevator, drug trafficking

(Courtesy: Saskatchewan RCMP)

A Saskatchewan man is facing multiple charges after RCMP say a drug trafficking investigation led to the seizure of firearms, methamphetamine and a large amount of copper wire.

Officers with the RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team, along with Wilkie RCMP, carried out a search warrant at a home in Wilkie on April 25.

Police say they found methamphetamine, two firearms, including one prohibited weapon, and a significant quantity of copper wire inside the residence.

An adult man and two adult women were arrested at the scene. The women were later released without charge.

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According to a Monday news release, a 41-year-old man from Wilkie has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and multiple firearms-related offences, including unsafe storage, unauthorized possession and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

He is also charged with failing to comply with a release order.

Police say the investigation also led to charges connected to a separate copper wire theft from a grain elevator earlier this month that caused significant damage.

In that case he is charged with break and enter, mischief over $5,000 and theft over $5,000.

Wilkie is about 56 kilometres southwest of North Battleford.

He made his first court appearance in Battleford provincial court on April 27.

RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.