News release

RCMP, MFNPS target drug and gang activity in The Pas and OCN

March 18, 2026 - The Pas, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

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Manitoba RCMP and the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) recently teamed up to apprehend a number of individuals in The Pas and on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN).

The targeted operation saw six search warrants executed at residential addresses from Feb. 23-25 as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and gang activity in the two communities. Officers from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team North, MFNPS officers and RCMP members from The Pas detachment, the Roving Traffic Unit and the Emergency Response Team participated in the three-day operation.

The collaborative efforts resulted in the arrests of five people and disrupted the drug trafficking network in the communities, with cocaine, methamphetamine, ammunition and drug paraphernalia seized.

Tyler Ballantyne, 34, of OCN has been charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Jarvis Bighetty, 23, and 26-year-old Ashley Fontaine, both of OCN, have been charged with possession of a weapon while prohibited.

Starling Colomb, 19, of Pukatawagan First Nation has been charged with possession of proceeds of crime.

Bryton Tait, 30, of Winnipeg has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The joint investigation is ongoing, with more arrests and additional charges anticipated.