It’s being described as the largest drug seizure in Manitoba history.
Winnipeg police say they seized $37.2 million worth of drugs — methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl — from a “sophisticated criminal network” responsible for importing the drugs from the United States into Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
Authorities say 33 people have been arrested, including a “core network of individuals” with alleged connections to high-ranking members of criminal organizations in Canada and abroad, like the Hells Angels, Wolfpack Alliance and Mexican cartels.
Those arrested were allegedly part of multiple drug-trafficking cells operating under a single umbrella organization that authorities believe was sourcing the drugs from a national-level supplier.
Investigators say the substances were being imported into Canada using commercial transport vehicles before being warehoused, primarily in Alberta and Ontario. From there, police say the drugs were transported into Manitoba using mail and courier services, commercial transport vehicles, and private vehicles equipped with hidden compartments.
“The organisation exerted significant influence over the distribution of illicit drugs across Manitoba and other provinces,” Winnipeg Police Service Insp. Josh Ewatski told a press conference Wednesday morning.
The 33 arrested suspects range in age from 19 to 63, with the vast majority living in Winnipeg. Four arrested suspects from outside Manitoba are from Edmonton, Kenora, Ont., and Brantford, Ont.
They were collectively charged with 174 criminal offences relating to drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and conspiracy. Of the 33 arrested, police say seven have pleaded guilty, receiving sentences ranging from three to 16 years behind bars.
Two additional suspects from Brantford — Randy Chao and Tyler DeFelice — are still wanted by police on conspiracy charges.
Police say they seized 339 kilograms of methamphetamine, 175 kg of cocaine, 11.25 kg of fentanyl, pills, 1.35 million illicit cigarettes, cannabis marijuana, 14 firearms, and seven vehicles.
The investigation lasted nearly two years, beginning in May 2024 and ending this March. It was a joint operation involving multiple police forces in Manitoba, the Edmonton Police Service, Alberta RCMP, various branches of the Ontario Provincial Police and FINTRAC.
Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says the arrests shows Manitoba will not tolerate criminal organizations operating in the province.
A separate police operation conducted by the OPP in Fort Francis and Dryden led to the arrest of four additional suspects and the seizure of 26 kilograms of cocaine. Those individuals will be charged separately.