Sandy Bay First Nation in Manitoba issued a community-wide alert on February 19, 2026, to warn residents about potentially lethal drugs circulating in the area. This safety notice follows a recent police investigation where officers found a significant amount of illegal substances at a local home.
According to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, officers seized 116 grams of methamphetamine and four grams of cocaine from a residence on Center Road on February 16, 2026. Joseph William Desmarais, 48, was arrested and faces several charges related to drugs and weapons after police also discovered a firearm and items used for selling drugs.
The police search began after officers responded to a report about a suicidal person, which was later determined to be unfounded. Once inside the home, officers observed evidence of drug trafficking and obtained legal permission to search the property.
Leaders at Sandy Bay First Nation are urging community members to use extreme caution and avoid unregulated substances. Harm-reduction tools, such as naloxone kits and health services, are available to the public at the Sandy Bay Health Centre.
