A woman from Pimicikamak Cree Nation and four men from Winnipeg were arrested by Cross Lake RCMP officers executing a search warrant on Feb. 28.
Police searched a residence around 4 p.m. Tuesday, discovering approximately 200 grams of cocaine, pills, a black BB handgun and various drug-dealing paraphernalia such as scales, packing supplies and a grinder. Cash was also seized.
Melissa Megan Muskego, 37, of Pimicikamak Cree Nation is charged with possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possessing property obtained by crime and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
23-year-old Kiebron Misgna Issak of Winnipeg faces the same charges.
Filmon Hagos Woldemariam, 21, 32-year-old Yonas Bokretsion Kidane and 33-year-old Eseyas Rezene, all from Winnipeg, face the same charges as Muskego and Issak. Woldemariam is also charged with failing to comply with a condition of an an undertaking to not possess or consume any drugs. Kidane is also charged with disobeying a lawful order and Rezene is also charged with failing to comply with a probation order.
“What we are seeing here is four individuals who have absolutely no ties or affiliation with the community coming here and selling drugs,” said Cross Lake RCMP detachment commander Jon Greer. “We remain completely committed to combatting the drug trade as it has been shown time and time again that those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes, and communities. The RCMP continues to work with Pimicikamak Cree Nation to ensure that doesn’t happen here.”
The five people arrested remained in custody as of March 2.
