Winnipeg, MB – A traffic stop in Winnipeg has led to the arrest of three individuals, including a man from Easterville, Manitoba, who is facing a multitude of charges related to drugs, weapons, and driving offenses.
Winnipeg Police Service officers conducted the traffic stop on December 7th, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m. The driver, 42-year-old Henry Joseph Bourassa, falsely identified himself to officers. This led to a search of the vehicle, where officers discovered:
- Weapons: Two airsoft pistols, a loaded magazine containing 12 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, and CO₂ canisters and pellets.
- Drugs: A significant quantity of Hydromorphone (approximately 24 grams) and Cocaine (approximately 335 grams), with an estimated street value of $3,200 and $33,500, respectively.
- Other: Drug packaging materials, a gang-affiliated vest, and a cell phone.
Police also seized gang-related clothing, approximately $225 in Canadian currency, and two additional cell phones from the suspects.
Bourassa is now facing numerous charges, including:
- Possession of a Weapon x 2: These charges could lead to fines, imprisonment, and a potential lifetime weapons prohibition.
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine and Hydromorphone: Trafficking charges for these substances carry severe penalties, with the potential for life imprisonment depending on the quantity and other factors.
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000: This relates to the seized cash.
- Operation of a Conveyance While Prohibited by Order Under Criminal Code: Driving while prohibited is a serious offense.
- Identity Fraud – Intent to Avoid Arrest, Prosecution or Obstruct Justice: This stems from Bourassa providing false identification to police.
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order: This indicates Bourassa was already subject to a court order.
- Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver – Drive Motor Vehicle Unequipped with Interlock Device (HTA): This charge falls under the Highway Traffic Act.
He was detained in custody. Two other individuals, a 19-year-old from Easterville and a 26-year-old from Grand Rapids, were also arrested and charged with weapons and drug offenses. They were released on Undertakings as mandated by the Criminal Code.
