Proactive traffic stops lead to the removal of Impaired drivers and drug charges

In 24 hours beginning March 21, 2025, Manitoba First Nations Police (MFNP) were on proactive patrols stopping vehicles that led to Impaired driving and possession of cocaine charges in Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

On March 21, 2025, MFNP stopped a vehicle in the 800 block of Kiche Maskanow. The driver showed signs of impairment resulting in a breath sample demand, the driver failed a roadside screening test. A search of the vehicle was conducted and several baggies of a substance believed to be cocaine, along with the baggies drug trafficking paraphernalia was also located. 

The 26-year-old male driver from The Pas, was charged with the following:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Unlawful transportation of liquor in a motor vehicle 
• Fail to produce divers licence 
• Unlawful transportation of cannabis in a motor vehicle
• 30 day driving prohibition/licence suspension and his vehicle was impounded 

He was released with conditions as required by the Criminal Code of Canada for a later court date. 

The 25-year-old female passenger from Opaskwayak Cree Nation was charged with the following:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000

She was released with conditions as required by the Criminal Code of Canada for a later court date.

Later that night members stopped another vehicle in the 400 block of Kiche Maskanow. The driver did hold a valid driver’s licence and was showing signs of impairment. The driver told Police "I was driving because I was the most soberest" The driver submitted to a breath sample to which he failed.

The 18-Year-old male driver from Opaskwayak Cree Nation was charged accordingly.

On March 22, 2025,  just after midnight, MFNP members with the assistance with OCN First Nations Safety Officers stopped a vehicle in the Otineka Mall parking lot. Police observed open alcohol containers in the vehicle and the driver was showing signs of impairment. The driver submitted to a breath demand and failed.

The 34-year-old male driver from Opaskwayak Cree Nation was charged accordingly.