Man charged with drug offences after Portage Avenue arrest

Winnipeg Police Service officers on patrol arrested a man they allege was openly dealing fentanyl on Portage Avenue on Tuesday morning.

Community support officers, who have been conducting proactive patrols in the West End over concerns from businesses and residents over open drug use and disorder, spotted a man they believed to be selling drugs just before 9 a.m. on Portage between Maryland and Young streets.

Officers arrested him and found several small bags of fentanyl, about $290 in cash and a sawed-off shotgun.

A 25-year-old man has been charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, as well as several firearms offences. He was held in custody.