Oakbank RCMP arrested a 66-year-old man on August 6 after a bag of illegal drugs fell from his person as he stepped out of a stolen truck at a property in the Rural Municipality of Springfield, Manitoba.
Police had been called to a possible assault at a rural residence, but after searching the area found no victim. As officers were getting ready to leave, Gordon Friesen from the RM of Springfield drove onto the property in a truck. He appeared injured, so EMS was called. When Friesen got out of the vehicle, a bag containing drugs dropped to the ground. He was taken into custody right away.
RCMP later learned the truck had been reported stolen. A search of the vehicle turned up more illegal drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Friesen now faces several charges: possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and failing to comply with a release order. He has been held in custody and is waiting for a court date.
This arrest comes during a busy time for the Oakbank/Beausejour RCMP detachment. Between July 20 and July 26, the detachment logged 116 calls for service, including 23 property crimes, according to the RM of Brokenhead. The area is also part of a Manitoba RCMP pilot project launched May 21 that lets residents sign up for direct safety alerts by text, email, or phone using the Rave Mobile Safety system.
Manitoba launched a provincial drug task force in February 2026 to go after organized crime groups moving drugs like cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into rural communities.
