Six individuals are facing numerous drugs, weapons and other criminal charges as the result of a drug trafficking/public safety/firearms investigation led by the Regina Drug Unit in July 2018. The drug enforcement project was conducted as a result of the presence of fentanyl, firearms and controlled substance(s) continuing to enter the community. Fentanyl is identified as a dangerous opioid that is severely impacting the safety of the public, first responders and those engaged in drug use.
The covert drug trafficking project identified numerous individuals involved in the trafficking of controlled substances: fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The investigation also identified the possession and trafficking of firearms.
Vancouver, British Columbia resident Bruce RUSK and Regina residents Devin IRVING, Gaeton ROZON, Tyson WENDLER, Kyle OTWAY and Maija EASHAPPIE were arrested in this project. The investigation was supported by resources and investigators from Regina Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), the Regina Police Service Street Gang Unit and Stolen Auto Unit, along with the Emergency Services Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Patrol and K9.
A total of six sites were subject to Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants and the collection of evidence including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marihuana, Xanax, Canadian currency, firearms, ammunition and Taser devices.
As a result of this project, the following targets of the drug trafficking/public safety/ firearms investigation have been arrested and charged with multiple drug, criminal and firearms offences:
Twenty-seven year-old Bruce M RUSK, of Vancouver, B.C., is facing a total of 22 drug, criminal and firearms offences.
Twenty-six year-old Gaeton Aurele ROZON, of Regina, is facing a total of 11 drug, criminal and firearms offences.
Thirty-six year-old Tyson David WENDLER, of Regina, is facing a total of six drug, criminal and firearms offences.
Twenty-six year-old Kyle OTWAY, of Regina, is facing a total of 11 drug, criminal and firearms offences.
Twenty-five year-old Maija Jade Rush EASHAPPIE, of Regina, is facing a total of 10 drug, criminal and firearms offences.
Twenty-nine year-old Devin Kenneth IRVING, of Regina, faces a total of 10 drug, criminal and firearms related offences that occurred during this project. IRVING has already made a first court appearance: on July 12th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.
The enforcement took place on July 13th and 14th, 2018. RUSK, ROZON, WENDLER, OTWAY and EASHAPPIE were arrested during the enforcement phase of the project.
These individuals were remanded in custody for court on Monday, July 16th, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.