In August 2022, Battleford RCMP's Gang Task Force (GTF) started Project Falter, an investigation into a trafficking operation in the Battlefords area.
GTF officers used a multitude of advanced investigational techniques, including covert strategies and surveillance to gather information. The investigation determined illicit drugs, originating from Edmonton, were being trafficked in the Battlefords area via a phone-in delivery service.
In order to dismantle this trafficking operation, GTF engaged the assistance of a number of Saskatchewan RCMP and partner policing units. These include Saskatchewan RCMP's Battlefords Municipal General Investigation Section (GIS), Battlefords and Saskatoon Provincial GIS, Crime Reduction Team, Warrant Enforcement Response Team, Police Dog Services, Integrated Intelligence Units and Battlefords detachment; the Edmonton Police Service Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit (EDGE); the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT); Edmonton Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU); and Strathcona RCMP.
On February 2, 2023, a thoroughly-planned, unified enforcement effort was executed by the GTF and partner units. Two vehicles were stopped by officers – one of them an on-shift drug delivery vehicle in the Battlefords area. Simultaneous search warrants were then executed at numerous residences in the Battlefords and Edmonton areas.
In total, officers located and seized:
- nearly 8 kilograms of suspected cocaine;
- 281 grams of Xanax tablets;
- more than 9000 pre-rolled cannabis joints;
- 898 cartons of contraband cigarettes;
- more than 35 kilograms of cutting agent;
- a large sum of cash; and
- four illegally-possessed handguns.
"Battleford RCMP's Gang Task Force was created in 2020 to proactively target individuals who blatantly disregard community safety. This investigation showcases the officers' investigational skills and determination. Through their work, a significant trafficking operation in the Battlefords has been dismantled. Between here and in Edmonton, we've taken eight kilograms of cocaine off the street. We've kept hundreds of thousands of dollars out of criminal hands – but even more importantly, the flow of dangerous drugs in our communities has been severed," says Sgt. Adam Buckingham, who oversees the GTF. "It also shows the success that comes when we work seamlessly with partner policing units, both with the RCMP and municipal forces. This complex and multi-jurisdictional investigation, and the planned and timed traffic stops and search warrant executions, just wouldn't have been possible without their assistance."
At this point in the investigation, Battlefords RCMP have laid more than 25 charges against six individuals. All six have or will appear in North Battleford Provincial Court and information numbers have been provided for your reference.
Daniel Norgaard, 34, and Andrew Koberinski, 27, from North Battleford are each charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted firearm, Section 95(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, unlicensed possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, unsafe storage of a firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Daniel Norgaard is also charged with three counts of failure to comply with a release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code. Andrew Koberinski is also charged with four counts of failure to comply with a release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
Delia Bull, 20, and Shae Laliberte, 24, from North Battleford are each charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- one count, trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Zhakary Night, 21, and Olja Budinski, 22, from North Battleford are each charged with one count, trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.
Edmonton Police Service also arrested and charged two males in relation to this investigation: details are available here.
The investigation continues and further updates will be provided as they become available.