Mounties seize $68K worth of drugs in northern First Nation

Manitoba RCMP seized cash and drugs with an with an estimated street value of $68,800, from a suspect in Bunibonibee Cree Nation. (RCMP)

Manitoba RCMP and First Nation Safety Officers seized more than $68,000 worth of drugs from a northern community.

It happened last week, on Dec. 10, on Bunibonibee Cree Nation, when safety officers detained a woman during a drug investigation. A search of the woman’s backpack uncovered crack cocaine, oxycodone pills and cash.

The safety officers called RCMP, who placed the woman, 35, under arrest. A search led officers to find more drugs and cash in her possession, RCMP said in a release.

In total, RCMP said officers seized 86 grams of crack cocaine and 127 oxycodone pills – with an estimated street value of $68,800. Police also seized about $28,800 in cash.

The woman, who is from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, was charged with possession of proceeds of crime and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. Police said she was remanded into custody.

The charges and allegations have not been tested in court.

“The Oxford House RCMP would like to acknowledge the efforts by Chief and Council and First Nation Safety Officers of Bunibonibee Cree Nation for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to community safety,” Sgt. Currie Farebrother, detachment commander of the Oxford House RCMP, said in a news release.

“Their proactive efforts and strong partnership have played a key role in several recent drug seizures, helping to significantly reduce the amount of illegal drugs entering the community.”

News of this arrest comes just days after RCMP released details of Project Derry—a six-month investigation into an alleged drug trafficking network operating in Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

However, RCMP confirmed this most recent arrest is not related to Project Derry.