These drugs were seized during the weekend near La Loche. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By larongeNOW Staff

drug busts

La Loche RCMP seize more than 400 grams of crack cocaine

Aug 25, 2021 | 10:43 AM

La Loche RCMP have seized more than 400 grams of crack cocaine.

According to an RCMP media release, the first bust occurred Aug. 21 after officers stopped a vehicle along Highway 135 about 15 kilometres south of La Loche. In this incident, police seized 417 grams of crack cocaine, 12 grams of suspected fentanyl and trafficking paraphernalia.

As a result, Nicholas Shingoose, 21, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of trafficking. He will appear in court Oct. 4.

The second bust occurred Aug. 20 after La Loche RCMP executed a search warrant on George Street. Officers located and seized 16 grams of crack cocaine, cell phones, knives, a sum of cash and trafficking paraphernalia.

As a result, Pierson Piche, 52, Topanga Piche, 23, and Dawson Fontaine, 18, were all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000.

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Pierson Piche will appear in court Aug. 30, while the other two will appear Oct. 18.

These items were seized in La Loche on Aug. 19. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

“These two investigations alone have resulted in very significant amounts of illicit drugs removed from the streets,” said Staff Sgt. Éric Desfossés, La Loche RCMP Detachment Commander. “The La Loche RCMP is committed to public safety, and that means we are aggressively targeting those who traffic drugs in our community – and will continue to do so.”

He adds that in addition to the recent seizures, officers also seized 16 grams of crack cocaine on July 24, 22 grams of crack cocaine on Aug. 2 as well as 283 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of fentanyl on Aug. 12. Charges were also laid in each of these incidents.

Anyone with information about drug trafficking in La Loche is encouraged to call the La Loche RCMP at 1-306-822-2010. If you wish to report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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larongenow@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @larongeNOW