Police in Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba, seized a loaded semi-automatic rifle and drugs after a foot chase on June 3, 2026, but two suspects are still on the loose. Officers with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) Crime Reduction and Enforcement Unit were conducting an investigation into two men believed to be in possession of drugs and/or weapons near a dirt bike around 8:01 p.m. when one suspect handed a backpack to the other and fled on the bike, while the second suspect ran into the bushes on foot.
Using a police dog named Zion and a drone, officers tracked one suspect through the bushes. They followed a trail of discarded boots, clothing, and personal items for just over an hour. At about 9:08 p.m., they found a hidden backpack in the brush.
Inside the backpack, police discovered a loaded .22 calibre GSG-16 style rifle with a round in the chamber, two full magazines holding roughly 60 rounds, extra ammunition, a crack pipe, a cell phone, and gloves. The GSG-16 has been a prohibited weapon in Canada since December 2024.
The two men remain outstanding as of June 10, and the investigation is active. Police say the suspects are expected to face charges including possession of a firearm, possession of controlled substances, and attempting to conceal or destroy evidence.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sandy Bay MFNPS detachment at 204-843-7700 or the anonymous tips line at 1-833-978-0048, or email [email protected].
