Two people have been arrested in Saskatchewan after RCMP and provincial law enforcement found 8 kilograms (nearly 18 pounds) of fentanyl, representing millions of potential doses, during a highway traffic stop near Swift Current.
RCMP and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers found the drugs hidden under a spare tire during the Jan. 28 stop, according to a Jan. 30 RCMP news release.
Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services Supt. Grant St. Germaine called the find “significant,” considering a few grains of fentanyl can cause a fatal overdose. “We have prevented potentially millions of doses of this dangerous drug from entering our communities,” he said.
The two vehicle occupants, who told police they were travelling to Regina, now face drug charges, police said.
Swati Narula, 26, and Kunwardeep Singh, 28, have each been charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Premier Scott Moe called the drug seizure a “significant outcome” and praised efforts by Saskatchewan RCMP and Provincial Protective Service (PPS), including the Highway Patrol.
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Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said the RCMP and PPS are helping to keep Saskatchewan communities safe by targeting illegal drugs and weapons.
“Our partnership with the RCMP plays an important role in addressing critical issues,” he said. “Whether it is supporting border security or combating organized crime, we work together to ensure community safety.”
Swift Current is about two hours north of the U.S. border, and the arrests come just as U.S. President Donald Trump says he will impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they don’t restrict the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the United States.
Trump confirmed on Jan. 31 that he’s ready to impose tariffs of 25 percent on Canadian products on Feb. 1 and 10 percent tariffs on Canadian oil and gas starting Feb. 18.
Canada has announced $1.3 billion in spending to secure the border, including deploying helicopters, drones, and additional surveillance towers.
Premier Moe announced earlier this month that he will redeploy 16 provincial law enforcement officers to border patrols. He also committed equipment to support border patrols, including drones, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and three planes to help with surveillance.
“We are also prepared to mobilize up to 95 total officers to address emerging incidents should they arise,” he said.
In 2024, Saskatchewan authorities seized 88 kilograms (194 pounds) of illicit drugs, with an approximate street value of more than $8 million.
Since Jan. 6, Saskatchewan RCMP and provincial law enforcement have been conducting high-visibility patrols near the Saskatchewan–U.S. border, the government said in a Jan. 31 statement.
