The self-proclaimed “Queen of Canada” was among 16 people arrested as RCMP officers executed a search warrant of a building and compound in the village of Richmound, located 365 kilometres west of Regina, near the Alberta border.
Romana Didulo was arrested during a livestream on Telegram. Didulo and her followers have been living in the village of just over 100 people for the past two years.
RCMP report 16 people were arrested—11 women and five men.
The search warrant was granted following an August 25th report that there was a firearm inside the compound. RCMP say four replica handguns were seized.
This is Inspector Ashley St. Germaine, a senior RCMP Investigative Officer with the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Crime Branch. She explained the reasons behind the large police contingent (30 vehicles, drone and K-9) that was in Richmound.
RCMP have not laid any charges yet, but the investigation continues.
Inspector St. Germaine says the public will receive updates as the investigation proceeds.
A full transcript of Inspector St. Germaine’s initial remarks to media are below:
Good afternoon.
This morning at approximately 4:30 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP executed a search warrant in Richmound, Saskatchewan. It was at a privately-owned decommissioned school inhabited by a group of individuals.
The search warrant was obtained after we received a report an individual occupying the building was in possession of a firearm.
That report was received on August 25. After receiving the report, Saskatchewan RCMP began an extensive investigation. This included careful monitoring of any risk to public safety and to the community of Richmound.
A team of skilled and experienced senior officers was established to oversee this large and complex operation.
This response was made up of RCMP officers from throughout the province including our:
- Critical Incident Response Team,
- Tactical Support Group,
- Containment Team,
- Police Dog Services,
- General Investigation Section,
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and
- Detachment members.
We also had assistance from Regina Police Service’s SWAT program.
There were more than 30 police vehicles along with two tactical vehicles at the scene.
The safety of the public and our officers is the top priority in any situation.
We carefully examined the components of the property prior to the execution of the search warrant. This maximized the likelihood of a quick, smooth and safe operation.
There were approximately eight RVs parked on the property. A team of officers cleared the RVs while another team methodically cleared the building from one side to the other.
Officers arrested 16 adults. Ten individuals were arrested inside the building, six were arrested in the RVs and one was arrested outside a residence in Richmound.
The buildings were cleared and all individuals were arrested by 6 a.m.
The next phase of the investigation is now in its early stages. Investigators are still in the process of searching the building, collecting evidence and interviewing those arrested. At this time, no charges have been laid.
As of the last update from investigators, which was received at 11:30 a.m., we have located and seized four replica handguns – one inside the building and three inside vehicles.
While clearing the property, officers observed modifications that had been made to the existing structure. We notified fire investigators with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, who are now engaged in their own investigation.
We understand there’s a lot of interest in this investigation and the next steps. The Saskatchewan RCMP is committed to transparency. We will provide more information as we are able, while being mindful of investigational integrity and our privacy responsibilities.
I think what’s important to highlight today is the excellent work done by our investigative team. Their dedication, attention to detail and professionalism allowed this police operation to unfold without injury or risk to public safety.
This operation was incredibly complex and robust – we drew on RCMP and partner resources from across the province to successfully execute this search warrant.
Throughout this investigation, the safety of the public and the residents of Richmound has been the highest priority and was constantly considered.
Finally, I thank the residents of Richmound for their ongoing patience as this investigation continues to unfold.
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