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Police nab big haul of illegal cannabis in Saskatchewan

Published on January 24, 2025 by Pat Bulmer

A Saskatchewan seizure of illicit cannabis in U-Haul boxes Photo: Contributed
A haul of illegal cannabis in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan RCMP seized more than 1,500 pounds of cannabis during a traffic stop near Swift Current.

The 1,551 pounds, to be precise, were found in a large cargo van.

A man who told investigators he was travelling from British Columbia to Quebec, was arrested. John Kupr, 53, of Port Moody, B.C., is charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 and possession for the purpose of distributing.

He is due to appear in court on April 16.

Meanwhile, two people were arrested at Toronto’s Pearson airport after suitcases full of pot destined for London, U.K., were discovered—seemingly a common occurrence at Canadian airports.

They may have been drug mules.

Krystle Lee Paula Cormack, 40, was said to have 21.95 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage and was charged with export contrary to the Cannabis Act.

Channelle Monique Atherton, 32, faces the same charge after 22.5 kg of cannabis was discovered.

Total street value of the pot was estimated at $175,000, police said.

“If you are a victim, or believe you have been targeted by a criminal organization to transport cannabis, report the incident to your local police,” said Insp. John McMath, officer in charge of the RCMP’s airport detachment. “Don’t carry luggage for others. Awareness is your best defence. Be suspicious of any offer that sounds too good to be true, as you will be held responsible and that dream vacation could end up turning into a trip to prison.”