A multi-agency drug investigation has led to the arrest of two women from Baldur, with one being charged with a number of drug related offences.
The case was prompted last year when members of Swan Lake First Nation voiced concerns to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) about the drug activity in the community. Members from the Swan Lake detachment, along with the MFNPS Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), initiated the investigation. The RCMP's Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET) also assisted.
The investigation culminated Thursday, April 17th with members of the MFNPS Swan Lake detachment, CIU and K9 unit, as well as the RCMP – MILET officers, executing a search warrant in the 100 block of Oak Creek Lane in Baldur.
Located and seized were more than 40 grams of cocaine, over 172 grams of cannabis, $2,465 in currency, brass knuckles and unstamped tobacco.
Eight individuals were taken into custody, but only the two women were charged, with the other six people released without charges.
A 53 year old woman, who has been released on an undertaking, is facing charges of:
· Possess for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine x 2.
· Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.
· Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
· Possession of Illicit cannabis.
· Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling.
· Distribute more than 30 grams of dried cannabis.
· Possess fewer than 25 units of unmarked tobacco (Tobacco Tax Act)
· Unauthorized sale of cannabis (Liquor and Gaming Control Act)
The other, 33 year old Rochelle Bardarson, was remanded into custody and charged with Possess Proceeds of Crime under $5000, and on an outstanding warrant for failing to attend court as required.
"The MFNPS would like to thank the RCMP – MILET for their assistance in this investigation," stated a news release issued Saturday morning. "The MFNP Service encourages anyone that suspects illegal activity, such as drug trafficking, or illegal firearms to contact their local police detachment. The fight against drugs and firearms has to be a community effort and it takes everyone’s help to keep our communities safe."