One of several firearms seized from the La Ronge area from RCMP GIS unit members. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By larongeNOW Staff

GIS Unit

Drugs and guns off the street a top priority for newly expanded RCMP unit in La Ronge

Jun 11, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Adding two members to the General Investigation Section (GIS) of the La Ronge RCMP made a huge impact on the work they’re able to do.

The La Ronge GIS used to be a one-officer unit. In 2020, they expanded to three members—one Corporal and two Constables.

Hundreds of grams of illegal drugs, drug trafficking paraphernalia and several illegally possessed firearms have been removed from the area thanks to the newly expanded unit.

“Getting drugs and guns off the streets is our top priority,” said Cpl. Drew Smith, the officer in charge of the unit.

They use specialized skills in search warrants and statement interviews to investigate serious crime.

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“We found that with only one member, the unit seemed to be tied up with more serious files in a reactive way, as opposed to having the flexibility of being able to engage in intelligence-led, targeted project-style investigations,” said La Ronge Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Dean Bridle.

The expanded team’s recent investigations have resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of drugs and weapons. For example, on March 1, 43.27 grams of cocaine, a semi-automatic firearm and trafficking paraphernalia were seized from a residence in La Ronge. On March 24, 520 grams of crack cocaine and about $10,000 in cash, a firearm and drug paraphernalia were seized from a residence in La Ronge. On April 2, 120 hydromorphone pills, over $6,000 in cash, a replica firearm and drug trafficking paraphernalia were sized from a residence and vehicle on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

As a result of these separate incidents, officers charged 20 individuals with more than 50 criminal code offences, including drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime and illegal firearm possession charges.

“The results speak for themselves and have been very well received by the community with many positive and favourable comments on community-based social media,” said Staff Sgt. Bridle. “As the Detachment Commander who updates the elected officials, I get to see how happy they are, so I am very happy.”

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