(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Ben Tompkins

Melfort RCMP

Three people arrested after Melfort traffic stop leads to seizure of drugs, guns and cash

Dec 6, 2022 | 3:18 PM

What was originally just supposed to be just a regular traffic stop, turned into a whole lot more.

Back on Friday, Dec. 2, Melfort RCMP Combined Traffic Services Section (CTSS) conducted a traffic stop as part of National Safe Driving Week on Saskatchewan Avenue in Melfort.

The vehicle was stopped for having an obstructed licence plate before officers observed the driver exhibiting signs of impairment.

Police then issued a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), which the man failed and was issued a 72-hour driving suspension as a result.

A backpack matching the description of one recently stolen from a business in Melfort was also spotted in the vehicle, so the driver was arrested for possession of stolen property.

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After further investigation, the suspect was also found in possession of approximately 4.5 g of suspected crystal methamphetamine, approximately 3 g of crack cocaine, and some cash.

Police arrested 39-year-old David Barks.

Barks was on court-ordered conditions due to allegations stemming from a drug trafficking operation in Melfort, back in May of this year.

Because of these court-ordered conditions, Melfort RCMP and Melfort CTSS attended his residence in town.

Police located two loaded shotguns, one rifle, three cellphones, scales, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a conducted energy weapon, suspected crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and suspected MDMA.

Two other people were also located at the residence and arrested.

Barks was charged with the following:

Two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Possession of property obtained by the commission of an offence, One count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device, One count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited firearm, and One count, possession of a prohibited firearm.

Meanwhile, 48-year-old Barkley Swenson of Melfort was charged with; two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, six counts, possession of firearm/weapon contrary to prohibition order, three counts, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device, and possession of a prohibited firearm.

Cassandra St. Cyer, 29, of Star City was arrested for an outstanding warrant and charged with two counts, of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Barks, Swenson, and St. Cyer remained in custody and made their first appearance in Melfort Provincial Court on Monday, Dec. 5.

The success of this investigation (which is still ongoing), is credited to the joint efforts between Melfort RCMP, Melfort CTSS and Regina Police Service CTSS.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8