Close to $900,000 that was seized during a September 1, 2022 traffic stop on the outskirts of Regina is being forfeited to Saskatchewan's Civil Forfeiture Program.

Saskatchewan Highway Patrol conducted a commercial traffic inspection on a semi travelling east on the outskirts of Regina around 11:14 a.m. on September 1, 2022, according to a release issued by RCMP Saskatchewan on Wednesday afternoon.

The release said officers noted commercial vehicle violations and missing documentation during the inspection. The semi had two male occupants.

Two large duffle bags and a black canvas shopping bag were found during a search. The duffle bags were filled with cash in clear, vacuum-sealed plastic bags. The canvas shopping bag contained two packages, both with money in them.

 

Police said the cash was packaged in a way consistent with organized crime, and seized all the bags.

The two occupants were taken into custody without incident.

Saskatchewan Highway Safety Patrol requested assistance from White Butte RCMP. The RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) Saskatchewan were engaged and took over the investigation.

The total cash seized was $897,540 in Canadian currency. Officers determined the occupants were originally headed for Headingly, Man. They were released that evening with no charges.

RCMP FSOC Saskatchewan collaborated with Saskatchewan Highway Safety Patrol, White Butte RCMP, and the Regina Integrated Intelligence Unit.

Officers investigated the proceeds, including doing background checks, drafting judicial authorizations, and examining evidence from the scene.

 

RCMP FSOC Saskatchewan worked with the Saskatoon RCMP General Investigation Section, Public Prosecution Service Canada, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney General, and determined the proceeds should be referred to the Province’s Civil Forfeiture process. 

On March 30, 2023, the Provincial Crown applied for civil forfeiture and the Regina King’s Bench Court deemed the proceeds were the result of unlawful activity and ordered the money be forfeited to Saskatchewan’s Civil Forfeiture Program.

Police say no further information will be provided as the investigation into the proceeds forfeited and seized has concluded.