Police Seize Loaded Sawed-Off Shotgun Ready to Fire

Manitoba Post StaffNews

WINNIPEG – Four drug dealers travelling in a car with no licence plate found themselves facing 40 charges after they were pulled over by police.

The four were travelling on Higgins Avenue at about 11:20 AM when they were stopped by police. After speaking with them and observing a number of suspicious indicators, the four were placed under arrest with the assistance of additional officers – including those from General Patrol, School Engagement and Diversity & Crime Prevention.

A search of both the occupants and the vehicle resulted in the seizure of the following items:

– A loaded sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun with the hammer drawn back and ready to fire

– Three 12 gauge shotgun shells

– Five .22 calibre ammunition cartridges

– Bear spray

– Approximately 7.4 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value of $300)

– $617 in Canadian currency

– Two scales

– Drug paraphernalia

– Packaging materials

Vincent William Catagas, a 31-year-old male of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

– Transport Firearm or Restricted Weapon Contrary to Regulations

– Possession of a Weapon (x2)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

– Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

– Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime

– Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

Meaghan Pearce, a 30-year-old female of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

– Transport Firearm or Restricted Weapon Contrary to Regulations

– Possession of a Weapon (x2)

– Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

– Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

– Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime

– Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

– Fail to Comply Condition Recognizance by Judge/Justice (x2)

Jennifer Lynn Noelle Simpson, a 29-year-old female of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

– Transport Firearm or Restricted Weapon Contrary to Regulations

– Possession of a Weapon (x2)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

– Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

– Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime

She was also processed on two outstanding arrest warrants for charges of:

– Fail to Comply Probation Order

– Fail to Attend Court – Recognizance by Judge/Justice

Tasha Rae Sinclair, a 24-year-old female of Winnipeg, has been charged with:

– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine

– Transport Firearm or Restricted Weapon Contrary to Regulations

– Possession of a Weapon (x2)

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle

– Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

– Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime

– Fail to Comply Condition Recognizance by Judge/Justice

– Fail to Comply with Probation Order

All four were detained in custody.