Saskatchewan RCMP catch man red-handed with safe containing over $28K

RCMP say they caught a man red-handed in northern Saskatchewan last week.

On Sept. 8, Mounties were checking up on Leonard Merasty, 35, who was on a conditional sentence order.

READ MORE: RCMP police seize eight pounds of marijuana after stopping a car near Grenfell, Sask.

As part of his conditions, he was to allow a search of his residence. During the search, RCMP came across an interior door that was locked with a dead bolt.

When officers asked questions about it, another occupant of the residence became confrontational. This person was arrested and escorted to a police vehicle.

Officers returned to find the locked door had been smashed open and Merasty was inside the room holding a small safe.

Sandy Bay RCMP said Merasty “cursed and dropped the safe.” He was then arrested and removed from the residence.

The safe was cracked and found to contain over $28,000 in cash.

A search of the property led to the seizure of ammunition, six rifles and three shotguns.

RCMP said other items seized from the property were consistent with a person who was involved in illegal activity.

READ MORE: Money laundering charge for northern Saskatchewan man

Merasty is facing charges that include obstructing a police officer, possession of firearm knowing possession was not authorized, possession of proceeds obtained by crime and two counts of allegation of breaching a conditional sentence order.

The Sandy Bay man has been remanded and is expected to appearing in Prince Albert court via video on Tuesday.

The investigation is still ongoing.