A routine shoplifting call yesterday afternoon led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of illicit drugs, according to the Winnipeg Police Service.
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, at approximately 2:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to a retail establishment in the 2300 block of McPhillips Street. Loss prevention officers at the store had apprehended an adult male and an adult female suspected of shoplifting.
Upon arrival, police were informed that both suspects had been taken into custody for allegedly failing to pay for store merchandise. Further investigation revealed that the male suspect was concealing a loaded firearm on his person. The weapon was identified as a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun, complete with a loaded magazine containing 9mm ammunition. The firearm and magazine were secured by the attending officers.
In addition to the handgun, a subsequent search of the accused individuals led to the seizure of a substantial amount of illegal substances and other items, including:
- Approximately 67 Grams of Fentanyl (Estimated Street Value: $10,025)
- Approximately 6 Grams of Methamphetamine (Estimated Street Value: $300)
- Approximately 130 Grams of Cocaine (Estimated Street Value: $10,400)
- 50 Dilaudid tablets (Estimated Street Value: $1,000)
- Cellular phones
- Approximately $2,740 CDN
The male suspect has been identified as Matthew Hudson, 27, of Winnipeg. He faces a string of serious charges for his alleged involvement, including:
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
- Carrying Concealed Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2 (believed to be in relation to different substances)
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime
Hudson has been detained in custody.
The female suspect, a 24-year-old also from Winnipeg, has been charged with Possession of a Scheduled Substance – Fentanyl and Theft Under $5,000. In accordance with the Criminal Code, she was released on an Appearance Notice and Undertaking.
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