Last Wednesday, officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Roving Traffic Unit (RTU) observed an eastbound pickup truck with an obstructed license plate while conducting patrols on Highway #1 around 1 p.m., west of Maple Creek.  

Upon stopping the truck and further investigation, police searched the vehicle. 

As a result, officers located and seized 954 grams of methamphetamine, 337 grams of cocaine, a small amount of cannabis and a sum of cash. 

The sole occupants of the vehicle, 33-year-old Vasco Kalala and 25-year-old Emmany Kayembe, both from Calgary, were arrested and charged. 

The two individuals were each charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. 

“Investigation determined these drugs originated in Calgary and were destined for the Regina area,” stated Staff Sergeant Chad McLeod, a district commander with Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS). “CTSS and RTU officers conduct patrols all over Saskatchewan. They are keeping our roads safe.  But they’re often helping keep our communities safe too, because they are specially trained to watch for signs of a travelling criminal.” 

Kalala and Kayembe will appear in Maple Creek Provincial Court on August 11, 2022. 

Staff Sergeant Chad McLeod added that this seizure has prevented a notable amount of illicit substances from hitting the streets. 

“This is a significant drug seizure. Meth is often sold on the street at the “point” level, which is 0.1 grams,” he explained. “We’ve prevented more than 9,500 points, plus a significant amount of cocaine, from entering Regina – and potentially making its way to smaller communities.”