On February 3rd, 2025, the Brandon Police Service Major Crime Section entered into an investigation after being notified by the National Child Exploitation Center that an individual was possibly creating Child Sexual Abuse Material of children in their care in the city. Police were able to determine the identity of the suspect and where he was residing. The investigation revealed that the suspect and his common-law partner are Foster Parents of young children, and a home daycare is also operated within the residence. After learning this information, the Major Crime Section including Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Investigators, Child Abuse Investigators and Patrol members attended the residence with Child and Family Services. It is believed the distribution was at an international level. The suspect was located within the residence and taken into Police custody. The suspect’s common-law partner and six children were also located within. A search warrant was soon after executed with computer systems seized. All children were safeguarded. The 37-year-old male suspect was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service. He appeared before the courts on February 4th facing charges of Making Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography, Distribute Child Pornography and Sexual Assault and was remanded in custody. As a result of continued investigation and examination of evidence, the male suspect has also been arrested for and charged with additional offences including Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference. Through this investigation the male was also identified as the suspect from an incident that occurred on June 9th, 2024, where images of Child Pornography were uploaded, stored and distributed. Further investigation resulted in additional charges of Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference and Assault. He was arrested for these charges on February 5th at Brandon Correctional Centre, where he is in custody, and will appear in court on February 6th. As this is an ongoing active investigation and to protect the identities of the victims and their families, Police will not be making any further comments at this time. The Brandon Police Service is working with our partner agencies at CFS and Toba Center for Children & Youth Inc. in order to provide the support required for both the victims and their families. Source: BPS Special Media Release

(file photo) The Manitoba government is directing casinos to report suspicious transactions to local and federal law enforcement to crack down on money laundering, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Drug dealers often use casinos to launder their cash and we are making it easier for law enforcement to track down people bringing toxic drugs into our communities,” said Kinew. “Fentanyl has had a devastating impact on Manitobans and people attempting to profit off it need to be held accountable.” Casinos operated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) will now report suspicious transaction records directly to the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP as well as the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), a practice similar to what is being done in Ontario and British Columbia, noted the premier. “Our government has been cracking down on drug traffickers since day one,” said Wiebe. “Today’s announcement adds another layer of protection for Manitobans against money laundering.” MBLL will also enhance its anti-money laundering team with staff and equipment and work with FINTRAC to improve information sharing to provincial agencies, noted the minister. The Manitoba government will also invest $325,000 in surveillance equipment for MBLL.

In response to United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Manitoba government is issuing a directive to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to stop the sale of American products in the province, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” said Kinew. “We support the federal response to these tariffs and here in Manitoba, we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts. How you choose to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you as a consumer can make. There are plenty of great Manitoba breweries and distilleries to support instead.” Effective Tuesday, Feb. 4, MBLL will be directed to pull American products off the shelves of liquor marts and will stop ordering American alcohol, the premier noted. The premier added the province will roll out more supports for Manitoba businesses and workers throughout the week in response to the U.S. tariffs. Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council will meet on Monday to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and the province’s response. For more information, Manitoba businesses or workers impacted by tariffs can contact the Manitoba government tariff hotline at 1-877-827-4330 (toll-free) or 204-945-8011, Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or visit https://manitoba.ca/tariffresponse/.

On January 30th members of Brandon Police Service’s Organized Crime Section conducted a CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) investigation into Cocaine trafficking in Brandon by a 21-year-old male and a 19-year-old female. CDSA search was granted, and a traffic stop was conducted east of Brandon on Highway #1. The 21-year-old male was placed under arrest for Possession for Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime with $840 located on his person. A search warrant was executed in the 1400 block of Pacific Avenue and the 19-year-old female was inside the residence. During the search of the apartment members located approximately 128 grams of cocaine, packaging materials, and a digital scale. Both individuals were charged accordingly, arrested, held in detention cells and will attend court in the morning on January 31st, 2025.

Some interesting things from the last 7 - 10 days Pizza Express has had a major change to their menu. Includes the following Italian Hero Pizza; house dressing base, ham, salami, mozzarella, onions, banana peppers, tomato, pepperoni and the Carnivore Pizza: meat sauce, ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian sausage, bacon Keystone Centre has announced PBR is back on May 23rd and 24th. In the past this has been sold out. For many people sad news as Peavey Mart will close. Following the recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Peavey Mart released a statement on Facebook on January 28 that they will now begin store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. Former WWE Superstar Tatanka will be holding a meet and greet at this year's Dakota Nation Winterfest on Saturday, February 1 from 11am-4pm. darryl@bdnmb.ca