RCMP Alert: Drugs and Loaded Rifle Seized on Ebb and Flow First Nation

Community Safety Overview

On the evening of June 2, 2026, officers from Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Central Road within the Ebb and Flow First Nation in Manitoba. What began as a roadside check quickly escalated into a serious public safety incident when police discovered a loaded firearm and significant quantities of suspected illegal drugs inside the vehicle.

Three adults have been taken into custody following the discovery of a loaded long rifle, suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, and a substantial amount of cash. The charges laid in this case reflect concerns about both drug trafficking and unlawful firearm possession within the community.

Official Incident Details

At approximately 7:45 p.m. on June 2, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle travelling along Central Road on Ebb and Flow First Nation. During the stop, officers determined that the driver did not hold a valid driver’s licence, and one of the two male passengers was not wearing a seatbelt.

Further checks and investigation led officers to search the vehicle. During this search, police report they located:

• A loaded long rifle concealed underneath the back seat of the vehicle
• A fanny pack containing approximately 40 grams of suspected cocaine
• Approximately 36 grams of suspected methamphetamine
• Nearly $1,600 in cash

Accused Individuals and Charges

The following individuals have been charged in connection with this incident:

Charges for Joseph Demerais and Marcus Thompson

Joseph Demerais, 48, of Sandy Bay First Nation, and Marcus Thompson, 23, of Brandon, are facing the following charges:

• Drug possession for the purpose of trafficking (two counts)
• Weapons possession contrary to order
• Possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon without a licence
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Failure to comply with release order condition

Charges for Tanya Kourdi

Tanya Kourdi, 37, of Ebb and Flow First Nation, is charged with:

• Drug possession for the purpose of trafficking (two counts)
• Possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon without a licence
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon

Police report that all three accused have been remanded into custody following their arrest.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights how routine traffic stops can uncover serious criminal activity, including potential drug trafficking and the unlawful presence of loaded firearms in communities. In Manitoba and across Canada, the combination of methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegal weapons presents a substantial risk to community safety, contributing to violence, addiction, and other crimes.

First Nations communities in particular, similar to others such as the Chippewas of Rama First Nation in Ontario, often face complex safety and public health challenges linked to drugs and weapons. CrimeCanada.ca encourages residents to report impaired or erratic driving, suspicious vehicles, or visible weapons to local police or RCMP as soon as it is safe to do so. Small observations—such as an unlicensed driver or seatbelt violations—can sometimes lead to the disruption of more serious criminal activity, as demonstrated in this case. Our mission is to support safer communities by promoting awareness, informed vigilance, and the responsible sharing of trusted safety information.

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.