The Regina Police Service executed a search warrant on a house on Friday, July 11, 2014, after 10:00 p.m. in the 3500 block of Dewdney Avenue. This was a CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) warrant, the result of ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the City of Regina. As this was a drug warrant, there was a higher potential for firearms being involved, so the Regina Police Service response was comprehensive, including the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team and Crisis Negotiators as well as Patrol and Canine, all working under the direction of an Incident Commander. The SWAT Team also used the TAV (Tactical Armoured Vehicle) to ensure the safety of officers approaching the suspect house.
At approximately 10:22 p.m., the first of several people exited the suspect house. They were all taken into custody without further incident. At this stage, there are no other details available about the occupants, since further investigation is needed to determine who may have played a role in alleged criminal activity and what charges may result. There were also a number of dogs in the residence. Animal Protection workers assisted police by attending and ensuring proper care for the dogs.
While there was no imminent threat identified to any other residents of the area, the RPS Communications Centre staff and patrol officers alerted nearby residents to ensure they were safe as the operation unfolded. Patrol members also set up a perimeter to block vehicle and pedestrian traffic into the area and manage the safety of nearby residents. Elphinstone Street was closed from 8th Avenue to 9th Avenue and Dewdney Avenue was closed from Argyle Street to Montague Street. The streets and alleys were opened to traffic again at approximately 11:40 p.m.
There are no further details for release at this time. The investigation into this matter is ongoing. The charges and names of accused will be released as soon as they are available.