Richmond man charged in Regina's first fentanyl-production case

A 20-year-old Richmond man is among three people charged after Regina police allegedly uncovered a fentanyl production and trafficking operation in Regina, Sask. Matthew Yohana is charged alongside Regina resident Evan Drew Silzer, 33, and Burnaby resident Cassidy Marie Arsenault, 20.

Yohana faces one count of fentanyl production, two counts of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, two counts of possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possessing proceeds of crime over $5,000.

After a three-month investigation, the Regina Police Service Drug Unit executed a search warrant Aug. 17 at a residence in the 3800 block of East Cormorant Dr. Police allege they found evidence of fentanyl manufacturing, including about 1.5 kilograms of processed fentanyl prepared for street distribution, 44 grams of suspected pure, unprocessed fentanyl, large quantities of caffeine powder and other substances used to create fentanyl, about 900 grams of methamphetamine and $24,525 in cash.

Supt. Kelly Trithart of the Regina Police Service Investigative Services Division said the amount of fentanyl could have caused serious harm if it reached the street, and described the investigation as an example of the value of resources for lengthy, complex investigations. Police believe the seizure, valued at $500,000, prevented more than 50,000 doses of illicit fentanyl from reaching the streets. They said it is the first time a fentanyl-production charge has been laid in Regina.

Silzer faces charges including fentanyl production, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and possessing proceeds of crime under $5,000. Yohana and Silzer first appeared in Regina Provincial Court on Aug. 18.

Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for Arsenault. Her charges include possessing and transporting a substance intended for use in producing a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and possessing proceeds of crime over $5,000.