On April 15, 2021, at approximately 4:10 pm, Thompson RCMP became aware that a large amount of illegal drugs were due to be delivered to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Manitoba through a delivery service. Officers seized the cargo, which included a case of Kraft Dinner boxes and a box of baby formula, all with altered packaging.
When the KD packages were opened, police found baggies containing approximately 480 grams of illicit dried cannabis. When officers opened the baby formula containers, they were filled with alcohol. In the box containing the baby formula cans, investigators found Oxycodone and Alprazolam pills. The investigation determined the drugs and alcohol were linked to a residence on Martin Bay in Thompson. On April 16, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am, Thompson RCMP executed a Cannabis Act warrant at the residence and seized another 694 grams of illicit cannabis as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Three individuals were arrested and charged. Mac Labelle, 45, Tina Spence, 31, and Derek Vivier, 46, all of Thompson, are charged with multiple offences, including Trafficking x2, Distribution of Illicit Cannabis, Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, and Unauthorized Sale of Liquor. One female was arrested and released without charge.
All of the suspects have been released pending a court date.
The investigation continues.
The RCMP would like to stress that possessing illicit cannabis is still a criminal offence and is an issue of public safety. Anyone purchasing illicit cannabis does not know where that cannabis came from or what it could be cut with. Often, illicit cannabis is associated with organized crime and all the other criminal elements that entails. Anyone abiding by the laws governing recreational cannabis use is not subject to enforcement.