(File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Crime

Battlefords RCMP arrest three and seize drugs, firearms in large bust

Apr 6, 2024 | 11:09 AM

Battlefords RCMP have arrested three people from North Battleford after officers made a big bust resulting in the seizure of drugs, firearms, and ammunition.

The bust happened on Thursday when the Battleford Gang Task Force located and arrested 39-year-old Christopher Ludviksen during a traffic stop who was wanted on drug trafficking and firearms offences related to another big bust back on March 24.

What police found during the March 24 bust. (RCMP/submitted)

During the vehicle search, officers found a loaded prohibited firearm, over 950 grams of cocaine, more than 650 grams of methamphetamine, more than 3000 illegal cigarettes and a large sum of currency. As a result of the search, police also arrested 35-year-old Heather Paskemin at the scene.

As a result of his March 24 arrest, police charged Ludviksen with six counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, five counts each of possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized, possession of a firearm contrary to order, and careless use of a firearm, three counts of possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition, and one count each of selling unstamped tobacco products and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

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From his arrest on Thursday, Ludviksen has been additionally charged with two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to order, and one count each of possession of a firearm with ammunition in a motor vehicle, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon knowing possession unauthorized, possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, selling unstamped tobacco products, and resisting a peace officer.

Paskemin is charged with one count each of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a firearm with ammunition in a motor vehicle, possession of a prohibited weapon knowing possession unauthorized, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Continued investigation led officers to an address in Cut Knife where the Gang Task Force, along with Cut Knife RCMP, executed a search warrant at a home on the 400 block of Steele Street. There, police found an additional semi-automatic firearm, ammunition, as well as other evidence of drug trafficking.

Police also found 41-year-old Curtis Fransoo at the home who was arrested and charged with one count each of possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition, possession of a firearm contrary to order, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failure to comply with release order, and unsafe storage of a firearm.

What police found during the bust this past week. (RCMP/submitted)

All three suspects are being held in custody and will appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on Monday morning.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com