On November 1, 2013, at about 2:30am, as a result of ongoing investigation, Steinbach RCMP arrested 19-year-old Kyle Barker of Steinbach, Manitoba for possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and MDMA.
Police identified Kyle Barker as a passenger in a vehicle. Upon recognizing the police, Kyle Barker exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a foot pursuit, police arrested Kyle Barker and seized a quantity of fentanyl and MDMA on his person. Kyle Barker was charged for possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance, resisting arrest, breach of recognizance and breach of probation. He was remanded in custody and appeared in Winnipeg Provincial Court on November 5th, 2013 and remains in custody.
On November 1, 2013, at about 5:30pm, Steinbach RCMP, with the assistance of the Federal RCMP Serious and Organized Crime Unit and the RCMP National Weapons Support Team, obtained and executed both Drug and Criminal Code search warrants at a residence and property rented by Dean Barker and Tanya Bell in the Rural Municipality of Hanover. Police intercepted a vehicle departing the Barker residence and seized a quantity of Fentanyl which police believe was just purchased from the Barkers. 31-year-old Kris Fast of Steinbach, was arrested and subsequently released for possession of fentanyl.
Police executed the search warrants and arrested 46-year-old Dean Barker and his spouse 39-year-old Tanya Bell for possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl resulting in another seizure of fentanyl. The search of their residence and property led police to seize weapons namely a sawed off semi-automatic rifle, a blow gun and a push dagger. Dean Barker and Tanya Bell were charged and remanded into custody for possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and a number of prohibited weapons offences. Both Dean Barker and Tanya Bell appeared in Winnipeg Provincial Court on November 5, 2013 and have been released on their own recognizance.
Kyle Barker is the son of Dean Barker.
Police have noted an increased prevalence of Fentanyl related incidents including overdoses within and around the City of Steinbach, Manitoba over the past two years. Police believe that these arrests will significantly minimize the availability of Fentanyl thereby reduce over doses and threat to the community.
