The RCMP “D” Division Action Response Team (DART) has completed a three-day deployment in northern Manitoba in and around the Communities of Grand Rapids and Chemawawin.
During July 18, 19, and 20th, members of DART conducted proactive enforcement in an effort to make Manitoba highways safer, monitor prolific criminal offenders and to combat illegal drug trafficking. Officers from a number of specialized RCMP units as well as officers from Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship were utilized to assist the team with this enforcement project.
Officers conducted two evening checkstops on Provincial Road 6 near Grand Rapids, and on Provincial Road 327 near Chemawawin. More than 500 vehicles were checked, with three drug seizures being made, one proceeds of crime investigation, one impaired driver (refusal), one breach of undertaking, 45 charges laid under the Highway Traffic Act and three charges laid under the Liquor Control Act.
Officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at a residence in Grand Rapids, seizing a quantity of cocaine that was packaged for sale, more than $1,400.00 in cash and various drug paraphernalia. Kenneth Robert Sanderson, 31 and Lana Spence, 27, were arrested and have been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. Sanderson has been released on a recognizance and Spence has been remanded in custody.
While in the community, officers received information as to the whereabouts of Alexander Sanderson, age 20, wanted in connection with an attempted murder that had occurred in Grand Rapids on July 8, 2013. RCMP investigators partnered with the Winnipeg Police Service and were able to locate and arrest Sanderson at a residence in Winnipeg.
The RCMP is dedicated to crime reduction, and will continue with proactive enforcement in Manitoba communities to reduce the number of fatalities on our roadways, as well as incidents of violent crime where drugs and alcohol are contributing factors.
