40-year-old man charged with drug trafficking: police

A Winnipeg Police Service cruiser is shown in an undated file image. (CTV News Winnipeg)

A 40-year-old man is facing several drug-related charges after police say he was acting suspiciously while they were investigating an unrelated matter.

Officers were at an apartment complex in the 300 block of Blake Street making an arrest in a homicide investigation around 11:45 a.m. Thursday. While they were there, police said they encountered a “suspicious” man in a common area of the complex.

Officers said they saw the man reach into his pockets and asked him to stop. When he refused, police handcuffed the man and searched him for “officer safety.”

According to police, a search revealed approximately 1.08 ounces of methamphetamine and 77.8 grams of fentanyl, with a combined street value of around $4,500. Officers also found around $860 in cash and a scraping knife.

Police said the suspect initially gave them a fake name and identification when he was arrested. However, officers were eventually able to determine his identity.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with several drug-trafficking offences, along with possessing a forged document with intent, and possessing proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was also arrested on the strength of two warrants in his name.

The charges haven’t been tested in court and the man remains in custody.