First Nation community drug issues leads to search warrant in Baldur, Manitoba

In 2024, Swan Lake First Nation community members voiced concerns of the drug activity in their community to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS). MFNPS members from the Swan Lake detachment along with the MFNPS Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) initiated a drug investigation to address these concerns.

The MFNPS was assisted on this investigation by the RCMP – Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET).

On April 17, 2025, members of the MFNPS Swan Lake detachment, CIU  and K9 unit, and the RCMP – MILET , executed a Controlled Drugs and Substance Act search warrant in the 100 block of Oak Creek Lane, Baldur, Manitoba. Eight individuals were taken into custody.

Officers located and seized:

·      40.43 grams of Cocaine.

·      172.24 grams of Cannabis.

·      $2465 currency.

·      Brass Knuckles.

·      Unstamped tobacco

Two females from Baldur, Manitoba were arrested and charged.

A 53 year-old was arrested and charged with:

·      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)

She was released on an Undertaking to attend court on June 10, 2025 in Morden Provincial Court House.

Rochelle Bardarson, 33 years-old from Baldur, Manitoba was arrested and charged with Possess Proceeds of Crime under $5000 and on an outstanding warrant for failing to attend court as required. Bardarson was remanded into custody.

Six other individuals were released without any charges.

The MFNPS would like to thank the RCMP – MILET for their assistance in this investigation.

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.

Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and www.manitobacrimestoppers.com