On February 14, 2024, at approximately 7:35 pm, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a truck in the south ditch of the Trans-Canada Highway at Road 22 West in the RM of Portage la Prairie. Officers attended and located the truck frozen to the ground, as it appeared the truck had been in the ditch for several hours as temperatures dropped.
Four individuals were located inside the vehicle with drug paraphernalia in plain view. All four individuals were arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance. When the vehicle was searched, fentanyl was located. It was also determined the driver had warrants out for his arrest for Assault with Weapon x2 and Fail to Comply, and he was breaching conditions stating that he must not possess or use any illegal drugs, cannabis, or other intoxicants.
Gary Abigosis, the 42-year-old driver from Portage, is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Fail to Comply with Release Order.
Another male – Anthony Abigosis, 49, of Winnipeg – was also in the vehicle and arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and was wanted on a warrant. He remains in custody.
A 39-year-old male and a 21-year-old female also in the vehicle were released without charge.