Police in northern Manitoba recently found large amounts of liquor and drugs in dry communities after conducting community checks with local officials.

Norway House RCMP along with First Nation Safety Officers conducted numerous checkstops and roving patrols in the community over the course of March 27 and 28. RCMP say in a release the checkstops were set up to ensure compliance with local band council resolutions which prohibits alcohol in the community.

As a result over 1,000 cans of beer were confiscated. In addition over $7,000.00 in fines were handed out under the Highway Traffic Act and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba.

On March 29, 2020, in a joint effort, Poplar River RCMP and Berens River RCMP, initiated a traffic stop of four vehicles on the winter road.

Officers located and seized approximately 74 bottles of spirits, 24 cans of beer, 36 grams of cocaine and over 1500 grams of Cannabis.

A 27-year old female from Poplar River First Nation, was arrested and will be facing charges of Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing and Failing to Comply with a Probation order. She is scheduled to appear in Court on May 12, 2020.

RCMP continue to investigate and four other suspects may also be facing charges.

RCMP would like to thank the community members in Norway House Cree Nation, Berens River First Nation and Poplar River First Nation for their assistance in these matters.