The death of an Edmonton man, after he was arrested and released by Morse R-C-M-P on Thursday, is under investigation by Saskatchewan R-C-M-P Major Crimes.

Around 2:30 p.m. on August 4, Morse R-C-M-P conducted a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway near Morse. The driver and lone occupant of a vehicle, a 23-year-old man from Edmonton, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance after officers located a small quantity of unknown pills during their search of the vehicle.

The man was released without charges at around 3:45 p.m. However, two hours later at 5:45, R-C-M-P learned that E-M-S was providing medical treatment to the same man. He was taken to hospital where he died several hours later. The man’s identity isn’t being released as of yet.

Due to his interactions with police and the presence and seizure of an unknown substance from the man’s vehicle, Saskatchewan R-C-M-P Major Crimes will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is also investigating and an autopsy will take place. An independent oversight observer has been requested by the Saskatchewan R-C-M-P to be appointed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General.