SERT teams tackle cross-border crimes

Border-jumping criminals in Canada sometimes find themselves face-to-face with Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT).

The teams tackle complex crimes with help from law enforcement agencies across Canada. They know criminals operate across provinces and don’t care what territory they are in. We sat down with a team member to see what makes them tick.

“Criminals don’t respect jurisdictional borders – their activity impacts people throughout Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Insp. Jeff Smoliak, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT Senior Investigative Officer.

SERT investigates crimes like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. In 2024, the teams handled 75 interprovincial cases. These investigations target gang activity and other crimes affecting communities of all sizes.

“Gang activity and crimes like human, drug, and firearms trafficking affect communities of all sizes, not just urban centres,” Smoliak said. “Working in collaboration with other law enforcement and partner agencies extends the reach of our resources and allows Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT to curb criminal activity that affects Saskatchewan communities.”

Case Example: Human Trafficking Investigation

In October 2024, a report of a kidnapping at a Dundurn business launched a major human trafficking investigation. Saskatoon RCMP found an Ontario woman being held against her will.

The Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU) took over. They discovered the woman had been forcibly taken from Toronto. The investigation revealed human trafficking had occurred in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

A Quebec man was charged with multiple offences, including trafficking in persons, forcible confinement, sexual assault, and assault with a weapon.

Several law enforcement partners helped, including RCMP teams from Saskatoon and Yorkton, Saskatoon Police Service’s VICE Unit, Regina Police Service’s VICE Unit, Toronto Police Service, and Brandon Police Service. Victim Services and community partners also supported the investigation.

What Is SERT?

The team includes 108 RCMP officers and 31 civilian staff. Teams are stationed in 10 Saskatchewan communities but can quickly deploy to other areas. More than 1,500 Saskatchewan RCMP employees, including over 1,000 officers, assist SERT teams daily.

SERT units include the Crime Reduction Teams (CRT), Human Trafficking and Counter Exploitation Unit (HTCEU), Offender Management Unit (OMU), Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT), and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST).

By building partnerships and sharing resources, Saskatchewan RCMP’s SERT works to keep communities safe from cross-border crime.

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Dan Gray
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