Brandon Police Service and RCMP members seized over 9 kilograms of fentanyl from a traffic stop on the Trans Canada Highway in 2024.
BPS’ Organized Crime Section (OCS) continued the investigation which led to the identification of two additional persons believed to be responsible for the arrangement, coordination and transportation of the fentanyl that was trafficked into the Province of Manitoba from Alberta.
Cherie Ann Arik, 27 years of age of Brooks, AB was arrested on December 17th, 2024, in Calgary, AB for the offence of Conspiracy to Traffic a Scheduled I Substance (Fentanyl) contrary to Section 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code & Section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Cherie was released on a Release Order to appear in court in Winnipeg, MB on February 10th, 2025.
Brett David Kehler, 28 years of age of Altona, MB was arrested on January 3rd, 2025, at Stony Mountain Institution for the same offence of Conspiracy to Traffic a Scheduled I Substance (Fentanyl) contrary to Section 465(1)(c) of the Criminal Code & Section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Brett was remanded into custody to appear in court in Winnipeg, MB on February 10th, 2025.
Police believe that Cherie and Brett were responsible for the acquisition and transportation of approximately 15 kilograms of fentanyl between the dates of December 23rd, 2023, and January 25th, 2024, 9 of which were seized by Police on January 25th. Two others, A 27-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were previously charged with trafficking.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive, devastating opioid that is at the center of the current opioid epidemic in Canada and has led to the untimely deaths of loved ones across Canada and locally in Brandon. BPS remains committed to identifying and investigating fentanyl traffickers, locally, provincially and across Canada.
