Winnipeg man charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking; held for bail hearing

KENORA — Ontario Provincial Police in Kenora say a late-night traffic stop has resulted in drug trafficking charges after officers seized what they believe is a large quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine.

Police say that February 11, 2026, shortly before 2:00 a.m., Kenora OPP conducted a traffic stop for a Highway Traffic Act offence. Officers report they observed cannabis packaging inside the vehicle and carried out a search under the Cannabis Control Act. During that search, police say they located and seized:

• 393.58 grams of suspected crack cocaine

• 80.55 grams of suspected cocaine

OPP estimate the combined street value at approximately $47,413.

Charges

Police say Lloyd Vanbeveren, 35, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been arrested and charged with:

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (federal)

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking — cocaine (CDSA s. 5(2)).

Highway Traffic Act (provincial)

• Speeding (1–49 km/h over the posted limit)

• Driver fail to surrender licence

The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on February 11, 2026, police said.

All allegations have not been proven in court. Accused persons are presumed innocent.

What the trafficking charge means — and potential penalties on conviction

Although police and courts often refer to these as “criminal” matters, this case does not include a Criminal Code charge as released by OPP. The primary allegation is under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which is federal criminal law.

Under the CDSA, where the substance is Schedule I (which includes cocaine), the penalty provision states the offence is indictable and carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Actual sentences, if there is a conviction, depend on the facts proven in court and the offender’s circumstances.

A drug trafficking conviction can also carry major secondary impacts, including a long-term criminal record affecting employment, travel, housing, and eligibility for certain professional licences.

Provincial driving charges: fines and other consequences

Because police listed “Speeding 1–49 km/h over,” the exact set fine depends on the proven speed range. Ontario’s set-fine schedule for speeding (Schedule 43) uses per-kilometre fines for the 1–49 km/h range.

If convicted, demerit points can also apply depending on how far over the limit the driver was found to be. Ontario lists 4 demerit points for 30–49 km/h over, and 3 points for 16–29 km/h over.

For fail to surrender licence, Ontario’s set fine schedule lists a $85 set fine (plus mandatory surcharges/court costs that apply to most provincial offences).

Police ask the public for tips

Anyone with information about illicit drug trafficking is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).