RCMP Seize Alcohol and Suspected Drugs on Winter Road Near Oxford House

Community Safety Alert for Oxford House and Bunibonibee Cree Nation

In the early hours of April 7, 2026, officers from Oxford House RCMP responded to an incident reported by First Nation Safety Officers (FNSOs) patrolling the winter road near Bunibonibee Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. Two individuals on snowmobiles allegedly attempted to escape from safety officers, leading to a significant liquor seizure and the discovery of suspected drugs and cash.

The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. on the winter road accessed by snowmobile. According to RCMP, a 22-year-old man, identified as Nathaniel Grieves, and a 46-year-old man were detained after their snowmobiles reportedly broke down during their attempted flight. Multiple fuel jugs found at the scene were determined to be filled with alcohol, which is prohibited under local community by-laws.

Official Incident Details

FNSOs were conducting routine patrols on the winter road by snowmobile when they encountered two other snowmobiles whose riders allegedly tried to evade them. When the snowmobiles became disabled, officers approached and observed several large and small jerry cans on the machines. The suspects reportedly tried to discard the containers along the side of the road.

On inspection, safety officers determined that the jerry cans were filled with alcohol. Bunibonibee Cree Nation has local by-laws that ban the sale and possession of alcohol and drugs within the community and has requested that RCMP treat enforcement of these rules as a priority.

Both suspects were detained at the roadside. During a search, FNSOs reported locating a substantial amount of cash and a small quantity of a substance believed to be cocaine. The men were then transported to the Oxford House RCMP Detachment, where they were formally turned over to police and re-arrested.

Charges and Legal Process

Once in RCMP custody, both individuals were arrested for alleged offences related to controlled substances, suspected crime proceeds, and Manitoba liquor and cannabis legislation. The investigation remains active.

• Suspect 1: Nathaniel Grieves, 22 years old
  • Re-arrested for:
    • Possession of a controlled substance (suspected cocaine)
    • Possession of property obtained by crime (cash)
    • Offences under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act
  • Charged and later released by a Judicial Justice of the Peace
• Suspect 2: 46-year-old male (name not released by RCMP)
  • Re-arrested for:
    • Possession of a controlled substance (suspected cocaine)
    • Possession of property obtained by crime
    • Offences under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act
  • Released on a Release Order pending a future court date scheduled in the community

Oxford House RCMP state that the investigation is ongoing and further steps will be guided by the evidence collected. For residents seeking broader context about local crime patterns, our Oxford House 24, Manitoba crime statistics and safety data page provides additional insight into long-term trends in the area.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights how remote winter roads and snowmobile routes can be used to move alcohol and drugs into communities that have chosen to restrict them through by-laws. For communities like Bunibonibee Cree Nation, alcohol and drug prohibitions are often adopted to reduce addiction-related harms, family violence, and other associated crime. Attempts to bring in prohibited substances can undermine these community safety efforts and increase risks for vulnerable residents.

Residents in northern and remote parts of Manitoba are encouraged to remain alert to unusual activity on winter roads, trails, and waterways—especially late at night. While the public should never approach or confront suspected traffickers, reporting suspicious movements of goods or repeated late-night snowmobile traffic to local safety officers or police can be an important way to support enforcement efforts. Anonymous tips can often make a difference in disrupting the flow of illegal substances, supporting community by-laws, and helping keep neighbours safe.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the manitoba community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.