The Meadow Lake RCMP detachment is working to crack down on gang activity following a spike in weapon-related offences. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Crime Spike

Meadow Lake RCMP making illegal weapons seizures amid crime spike

Sep 27, 2021 | 4:12 PM

Meadow Lake has seen a spike in violent crimes throughout September. Several recent firearms related offences have resulted in the Meadow Lake RCMP working to locate multiple suspects said to be involved in gang activity within the community.

In a statement to meadowlakeNOW, Commander Ryan How stated at least four gunshot complaints were reported to the local police detachment between Sept. 18 – 25.

He explained the city saw a notable decline in these offences throughout the summer, but has observed a dramatic increase in recent weeks.

This trend has reportedly exerted a ‘tremendous’ amount of pressure on local enforcement to eliminate these crimes in the community.

How said police continue to execute gang-suppression initiatives which have been a focal point for the RCMP throughout the year.

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“RCMP members live in this community and are part of this community. Our families live here and our children go to school like anyone else’s,” he said.

“This can’t be tolerated, and everyone needs to be involved in ending this violence.”

While the Meadow Lake detachment has been required to scale back proactive/community initiatives as it experiences a staffing shortage, members of the force have reportedly continued to make significant weapons seizures on a frequent basis.

How referenced two separate incidents between Sept. 14 – 16 that resulted in the arrests of two male individuals, along with the seizure of a loaded .45 calibre pistol, nearly 150 grams of cocaine, several machetes, knives, crystal meth, and other weapons.

He stated the availability of weapons to criminals has made this issue an ongoing battle as illegal firearms have reportedly been obtained by criminals easily and more frequently.

Partnerships with community leaders and other agencies have helped to suppress gangs, which How said is almost the sole motive behind the recent firearms incidents.

“The firearm violence is almost exclusively due to gang members trying to intimidate each other. This isn’t unique to Meadow Lake unfortunately and is being seen in many communities in the province,” he said.

“While the gang violence is typically focused on rival gang members, there is a tremendous risk to the public when firearms are being discharged in the city at any time of day.”

Mayor Merlin Seymour stated the increase in these offences should be a cause for concern to the community.

He believes the community can play an integral part in eliminating these crimes by proactively reporting incidents and suspicious activity to police.

“It’s our community, and any type of gang activity is definitely something everybody should be concerned about,” he said.

“If you see something going on, report it to the RCMP. You may not see them acting on it, but they’re gathering intelligence to do their job the best they can.”

City council has communicated with the Minister of Justice and the RCMP to discuss an approach to reduce these offences, but are still working on the matter.

How stated the RCMP believes a small number of youths are responsible for recent shootings, and are working to locate and arrest the suspects.

Youth suspects will not be identified as their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“A very small group of gang members can inflict tremendous damage and fear on the community. RCMP believe that both Easy Money and Terror Squad deliberately use young adults and youth (sometimes as young as 12 or 13 years of age) to commit firearm violence,” How said.

“We’ve received excellent support from the mayor and council of the City of Meadow Lake in our four pillar approach to gang suppression, but we can’t do it alone. We need the entire community to make it clear this level of violence won’t be tolerated.”

Anyone looking to report suspicious activity or criminal offences is asked to contact the Meadow Lake RCMP at (306) 236-2570 or submit an anonymous tip to Saskatchewan Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp