Portage la Prairie RCMP are reporting that two individuals have recently been arrested and charged after officers seized a quantity of drugs and weapons resulting from a recent traffic stop in the community.
On June 29, 2023, at approximately 11:40pm, Portage la Prairie RCMP officers observed a vehicle with extensive damage, traveling west on King Avenue in the City of Portage la Prairie. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, noting their were two occupants inside, and spoke with the 53-year-old female driver. In speaking with her, the officer believed her ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and/or drug, and subsequently detained her for further investigation.
Police say that the driver became belligerent with officers and refused to exit the vehicle. As a result, both occupants were arrested, and upon the driver’s search, officers located a zip-lock bag containing a substance believed to be crystal meth, a small quantity of cash and drug related paraphernalia. A further search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a machete, knife, cocaine, dried cannabis and additional drug related paraphernalia.
RCMP report that the driver, 53-year-old Joanna Rennicks of Winnipeg, is facing numerous charges related to this incident. She was later released for court, scheduled for a future date in Winnipeg. The 29-year-old male passenger, from Portage la Prairie, was also charged in this incident and released for a future court date in Portage la Prairie.
If anyone has any information regarding drugs or any other criminal activity, RCMP ask you to contact your local police agency. You may also call CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.
