(File photo/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.

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.

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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