Traffic Stop Leads to Drug & Firearm Charges.
Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba
On March 30, 2024, members of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) were conducting traffic enforcement, which led to drug charges in Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Members of the Manitoba First Nation Police Service were conducting proactive traffic enforcement to ensure drivers' sobriety. Police stopped a vehicle, observed open liquor in the car and attempted to arrest the male passenger; he became combative and resisted arrest. The female driver provided the Police with false identification; she was also arrested. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, Police located and seized a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine as well as a loaded prohibited firearm in the car.
As a result of this incident, On March 31, 2024, MFNPS members executed a search warrant on a residence on Kiche Maskanow that was associated with the male passenger, resulting in another firearm seizure at the residence.
Shane Joseph KNUTSON (33yo), of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, has been charged with multiple firearm and drug-related offences, including:
• Unsafe storage of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm while knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Possession of a firearm with ammo readily available
• Possession of a weapon obtained by crime
• Possession of a weapon contrary to an order
• Possession of ammunition contrary to an order
• Resist Arrest
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
Lana Edith SPENCE (38yo), of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, has been charged with multiple firearm and drug-related offences, including:
• Unsafe storage of a firearm
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm while knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• Possession of a firearm with ammo readily available
• Possession of a weapon obtained by crime
• Possession of a weapon contrary to an order
• Possession of ammunition contrary to an order
• Obstruct Police
• Identity Fraud
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
If you have any information that could assist investigators, don't hesitate to get in touch with MFNPS Opaskwayak Cree Nation Detachment at 204-623-8200 or MFNPS TIPS line anonymously at 1-833-978-0048 or email TIPS@mfnp.ca. The MFNP TIPS line is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, and monitored regularly.
