The photo depicts the some of the items seized following the search. Within the photograph are three firearms (a pump action shot gun, a rifle and a handgun) as well as six bags of what is believed to be controlled/ illicit drugs. Photo by Submitted Photo (RCMP) In March of 2021, the Saskatoon Integrated Crime Reduction Team (S-ICRT), the RCMP Prince Albert Gang Task Force, the Melfort and Tisdale RCMP Detachments joined forces and learned of information about the presence of large quantities of drugs in the area. A project was established based on information gathered by the RCMP, the Prince Albert Gang Task Force, Saskatoon Police Service Drug Unit, Saskatoon Police Service Patrol members, Saskatoon Integrated Crime Reduction Team and Crime Stoppers.
“We expect that this seizure of drugs will have a significant impact on the communities surrounding Melfort, Tisdale and the cities of Prince Albert and Saskatoon.” Rudi Betthel, 53, of Bjorkdale, and Tricia Karpluk, 39, from Saskatoon, were arrested following a traffic stop near Saskatoon on Highway 7 near Township Road 340 on April 26. According to police, Betthel had a significant amount of controlled substances in the vehicle. Police obtained a search warrant for his residence on the 100 block of Hara Avenue in Bjorkdale where they seized firearms, methamphetamine, ketamine, hydromorphone, and additional drug paraphernalia. Police also obtained a search warrant for a home on the 300 block of Avenue N south in Saskatoon. There they seized more controlled substances, firearms and weapons.