Mounties say drones are invaluable after finding wanted man up a tree

The RCMP in Saskatchewan say aerial drones have become a big asset to police in the province.

The drones — referred to by the Mounties as “remotely piloted aircraft systems” — were added to every RCMP detachment in the province in 2024, and since then have been used in criminal and non-criminal searches.

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One recent incident involving drones occurred on Valentine’s Day, when officers on the Thunderchild First Nation were searching for a wanted man who had fled into the woods.

Two types of drones are used by Mounties in Saskatchewan. (Saskatchewan RCMP/Submitted)

Police said officers using a drone found the man up a tree, and he was arrested after he was helped down to the ground. The 34-year-old man from Gaslyn is now facing two charges of breaching a release order, police said, along with charges of fleeing a peace officer, obstruction and possession of property obtained by crime.

“The use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems has become an invaluable asset in modern policing,” corporal Trevor Reimer, of the St. Walburg RCMP detachment, said in a statement.

“A birds-eye perspective and advanced night‑vision capabilities dramatically improve the ability to locate individuals quickly and safely.”