Sask. RCMP seize loaded guns from hidden compartment during vehicle search

(Courtesy: Saskatchewan RCMP)

Two people are facing nearly 80 combined charges after six guns and various drugs were seized during a vehicle search in the Cut Knife area over the weekend.

Mounties say the six guns, including the four that were loaded, were found in a vehicle on Poundmaker First Nation.

On Nov. 8, the service’s crime reduction team from North Battleford crime reduction team was in the area conducting enforcement operations.

With the help of Cut Knife RCMP, officers stopped a black Escalade SUV with a man, woman and two dogs inside.

Caroline Eagleshield, 27, from Sweetgrass First Nation faces 47 charges, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and 15 counts of failure to comply with a release order.

Robert Noorgard, 40, faces 32 charges, including possession of a substance for the purpose of trafficking, with a count each of methamphetamine and cocaine.

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“A total of six guns were seized from the vehicle, including four that were loaded with ammunition in the chamber – which means our officers had to clear the weapons immediately upon locating them for everyone’s safety,” RCMP Cpl. Sowers explained in a news release, which detailed the operation.

“Two firearms had serial numbers altered or removed, and three firearms were cut down to a prohibited length. Take a moment to think that this vehicle had been traveling with all the other motorists on Saskatchewan roads. Our team is grateful we were able to remove these guns from our communities and streets.”

RCMP also located and seized unstamped tobacco in the vehicle, as well as a collapsible baton and cash.

Eagleshield and Noorgard were scheduled to make their first appearance in North Battleford court Monday.