Flin Flon RCMP had reason to believe the driver of a car they pulled over on Island Drive was carrying drugs.
They were right.
Early Tuesday evening, officers arrested the man, 24, and seized 60 grams of powder cocaine. RCMP pegged the street value of the cocaine at $8,400.
Police said they also seized cash, a “small quantity” of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The suspect remained in custody Wednesday awaiting several drug-related charges. Police could not say where the man is from but confirmed he is not a local resident.
The man had travelled to Flin Flon from Edmonton, RCMP said.
Officers stopped the man’s vehicle on Island Drive, near the Third Avenue intersection, at about 6:15 pm on Tuesday.
Shortly before 7 pm, three RCMP cruisers remained on scene, their lights flashing brightly, as a tow truck prepared to remove the suspect’s vehicle.
Standing near one of the cruisers, with his hands apparently handcuffed, stood a man who appeared to be the suspect.
RCMP said their investigation into the incident continues.
Cocaine trafficking is a relatively rare crime in Flin Flon, at least based on arrest statistics. In 2014, Flin Flon RCMP laid four charges related to that offence.
Following Tuesday’s bust, the detachment issued a stern warning for other would-be drug dealers.
“Those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities,” it said in a news release. “The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.”
Flin Flon RCMP ask anyone with information on drug trafficking and other unsolved crimes to contact them at 204-687-1423.
Tips may be submitted anonymously to Manitoba Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submitting a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or texting “TIPMAN” plus the message to CRIMES (274637).
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the resolution of a criminal investigation.
