Steinbach RCMP are reporting that two individuals from La Broquerie were recently arrested and charged in connection to a number of theft investigations that stemmed from a recent traffic stop conducted in Steinbach.

On October 21, 2022, officers with the Steinbach Traffic Services unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had been parked on Donald Avenue in Steinbach.

Officers approached the vehicle and noticed that the driver, and single occupant, was slumped over in the driver’s seat. Police then observed what appeared to be methamphetamine in the vehicle. The 42-year-old male driver, from the RM of La Broquerie, was awakened and placed under arrest. Police noted that the driver was not injured and did not require medical assistance.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a small amount of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and a rifle, which were determined to be stolen from a property located in the RM of Ste. Anne.

Police say that the 42-year-old La Broquerie man was later released for a future court appearance in Steinbach.

On November 10, 2022, as a result of the ongoing investigation, officers with the Steinbach General Investigative Section (GIS) and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) executed a search warrant at the residence of the 42-year-old driver.

RCMP report that the 42-year-old property owner, along with a 48-year-old La Broquerie man, were arrested inside the home and taken into police custody. A search of the residence resulted in the recovery of additional stolen property, a stolen firearm, two loaded firearms and several improperly stored firearms. The stolen property was deemed stolen due to identifying features placed on them. Subsequently, a search of the outdoor property led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

As a result of investigation, the two accused individuals were later released for a future court date in Steinbach where they will face several property and firearms-related charges.

Steinbach RCMP would like to remind the public to register, photograph and record serial numbers of vehicles and trailers, including powersports and leisure products. Serial numbers of household products, such as electronics, power tools, bicycles, and jewelry, should also be documented. This documentation facilitates investigations by identifying victims of crime and substantiating property theft charges. In addition, this documentation increases the chances of the return of the property to its rightful owners.