The Saskatchewan government is acting to strengthen its border with the United States. The Saskatchewan Border Security Plan (SBSP) will increase law enforcement near the border.
“Our government is taking immediate steps to increase border integrity, ensuring the Saskatchewan-US border is secure and our communities are safe,” Premier Scott Moe said. “We are redeploying 16 provincial law enforcement officers to patrol high-priority areas around the border. We are also prepared to mobilize up to 95 total officers to address emerging incidents should they arise.”
The plan will move officers from conservation, highway patrol, and canine teams. These teams will patrol high-priority areas and run public safety campaigns.
Resources include one mobile command unit for vehicle inspections and up to 16 patrol cars. Cars will have license plate readers. Officers will use drones, snowmobiles, ATVs, and three planes for surveillance.
Saskatchewan can add up to 95 officers to assist federal agencies during major events. Additionally, the province may create a Border Integrity and Intervention Team or expand Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRTs) to boost enforcement efforts.
“Members of our Provincial Protective Services team will work with existing federal and provincial agencies to strengthen border security through high visibility surveillance, commercial vehicle enforcement and remote area patrols,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “This approach builds on the already strong enforcement work that is being done across the province.”In 2024, provincial teams seized illegal items worth over $17 million. This includes 88 kg of illicit drugs worth $8 million and over one million packs of illegal tobacco worth $9.1 million. They also confiscated 400 illegal firearms and $700,000 in cash. STRTs have also intervened in human trafficking cases and trained police and stakeholders.”
The Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP will still handle federal border enforcement. PPS officers will patrol within Saskatchewan. However, they will complement federal efforts by focusing on areas north of the border.
Enhanced surveillance and specialized teams will help intercept illegal activities. The plan ensures officers respond quickly to emerging threats. The hope is with strong cooperation between agencies, border integrity will improve.
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