Family of Winnipeg man charged in drug, weapons offences calls allegations ‘bogus’

WINNIPEG (CityNews) ─ The family of a Winnipeg man allegedly responsible for bringing $1.5 million worth of drugs into the city says the police have charged the wrong person.

A loved one of 37-year-old Jonathon Alexander Herntier says he is not the kingpin or drug lord portrayed by Winnipeg police, but a man who has tried to get help with his substance abuse for years and has been failed by the system.

Herntier’s family member spoke to CityNews on condition of anonymity.

“The charges are obviously bogus,” he said. “He’s been a drug addict for over 20 years. He hasn’t been given an opportunity for help when he’s asking for.”

Following a drug and weapon investigation in August, police searched three locations in Winnipeg and seized large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax pills, Fentanyl and Psilocybin. Police also seized nearly a dozen weapons and $150,000 cash.

The 48-hour investigation originated from a social media post of a gun, though police would not reveal more details about the post that led to the seizure.

On Sept. 15, Herntier was charged with 46 drug, weapon and assault-related offences.

At a press conference that day, police displayed the drugs to media and said the bust was just “the tip of the iceberg” in Winnipeg.

WATCH: Full Winnipeg police drug and weapons press conference (Sept. 15)

Three other people were charged alongside Herntier, but WPS repeatedly established Herntier was the man responsible for the drugs and weapons.

“I won’t comment if this individual is involved in a gang or not involved in a gang,” WPS Insp. Elton Hall told reporters on Sept. 15. “Just about everybody in Canada and everybody in Winnipeg do not have access to this type of weaponry or the amount of drugs you see on the table today. This is generally reserved for people in a drug trade or who are in gangs, organized crime groups or drug networks.

“This sole individual, one of the individuals involved here, brought these drugs into the city and is solely responsible for the drugs you see on the table and the weapons you see on the table.”

Hall also said Herntier was responsible for causing violence.

“It’s because of this one individual that you see the violence on the street between street gangs, and these young people shooting each other and the drug trafficking going on,” he said.

Herntier’s family member says police overstepped their boundaries before the case goes to trial.

“They’re trying to label him as something he’s not. In the press conference alone, I believe his name is Mr. Hall quoted, ‘these drugs were solely brought in by one individual.’

“That to me sounds like they’re saying he’s guilty before it even hits the courtroom.”

He worries Herntier won’t have access to a fair trial given what police have said publicly about the bust.

“Jonathon isn’t the person they’re making him out to be.”

He says Herntier, who is a trained welder and experienced tradesman, has taken deals on drug convictions in the past with the hope of getting help on the inside. But time and time again, he says resources that could help him get away from drugs are denied.

“Any chance of bail to a treatment centre has been denied by the courts, and he’s not the only one.”

He also feels the charges don’t match the reality of the arrest.

“What I can say is don’t believe everything you read.”

CityNews reached out to WPS with questions about the investigation, but police said they could not talk about the matter as it’s currently before the courts.