Prince Albert’s biggest drug trafficking case concludes with community based sentence

The actual estimated value of the cocaine seized was between $1.5 million to $4 million, depending on where it would be sold and the local prices.

Initial information provided to police was that Gordon Greer-Vandale and Dean Marchand were selling cocaine out of a residence in the Whispering Pines Trailer Court, which is located in the Red Wing area.

Upon surveilling the mobile home, police observed several people coming and going and followed them on several occasions into Prince Albert, Big River, Green Lake and Saskatoon.

The stops made were short and consistent with drug trafficking activity.

A photo of the evidence after the biggest drug bust in the service’s history on March 16, 2023. (submitted/PAPS)

On March 16, 2023, police entered the “stash trailer” on a CDSA warrant where they found the money, multiple cellphones, packaging materials, scales, a safe, five gallon pails, knives and hammers.

The knives and hammers had cocaine residue on them, and officers said they were used to break up bricks of cocaine. The bricks were found to be between 95 and 97 per cent pure cocaine, while the drugs found in the packages were about 51 per cent and had been mixed with phenacetin, a common cutting agent.

Foulds, Jim Lakatos and Gordon Greer-Vandale were arrested the same day and Dean Marchand was arrested three months later.

As per evidence found on the cell phones, read in court by Federal Prosecutor Stephen Jordan, the three men were involved in a drug trafficking operation and were proud of what they had accomplished.

“Look how far we’ve come,” read one message.

“I love you man,” read another.

Upon explaining the recommended sentence, Jordan said Foulds had no criminal record, significant personal circumstances including Gladue factors, and had a strong history of employment and education.

He also stated Foulds was neither directly behind the operation nor benefitted from it, and was taking orders from Lakatos.

Among the jobs she was ordered to do was buying plastic bags and pails, and cleaning out the oven so it could be used for processing cocaine.

Defence lawyer Tim Nolan, in turn, described emotional trauma Foulds had incurred during her relationship with Lakatos. He also explained as a result of the charges she had lost her job as a licensed practical nurse, but is now focused on going back to school and starting a new career.

“She’s looking forward to the future, putting this behind her,” Nolan said.

When provided the opportunity to speak, an emotional Foulds stood in the prisoner’s box and apologized for the harm she caused.

“I’m sorry and ready to get this over with and be the best mom I can be,” she said.

Accepting the joint submission presented by lawyers, Madame Justice Zerr said the degree of the offences is very serious. She also acknowledged Foulds, who had been on her own since the age of 16, and worked hard to become an LPN, had lost it all when she was arrested.

“It’s in itself a punishment for your actions,” she said.

A CSO is essentially a jail sentence that can be served in the community and failure to abide by the conditions could result in Foulds serving the remainder of her sentence in custody.

Those conditions include a curfew, keeping the peace, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, not attending liquor or cannabis stores, and 100 hours of community service.

She’s also subject to a firearms prohibition (10 years non-restricted, and life for restricted weapons).

Previously sentenced in this case were Dean Marchand (54 months), Gordon Greer-Vandale (42 months), and Jim Lakatos (7 years).

Charges against Spencer Evans of North Battleford were stayed by the crown prosecutor.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

— with files from Susan McNeil

by Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert’s biggest drug trafficking case concludes with community based sentence

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