Cocaine, cash and guns seized in months-long Winnipeg police investigation

Winnipeg police have seized over $278,500 worth of illicit drugs, firearms, and cash during a months-long operation targeting organized criminal activity. The investigation, initiated in March 2026, led to the arrest of eight individuals aged 18 to 43, who face multiple charges including drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and proceeds of crime. The operation saw police execute search warrants in three locations across Winnipeg, recovering a variety of weapons, narcotics, and financial assets. The investigation was conducted by the Winnipeg Police Service’s Firearms Enforcement Unit, supported by the Canadian Border Services Agency. On Tuesday, officers carried out simultaneous searches in the 1–99 block of Maryland Street, the 100 block of Aubert Street, and the 100 block of Belton Street. During these operations, authorities confiscated a .22 calibre rifle along with its ammunition, a .38 calibre handgun, a 5.56 calibre rifle, and three Glock auto-sears, devices used to convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic ones. These items are classified as prohibited firearms under Canadian law. In addition to the weapons, investigators found approximately 513 grams of cocaine, valued at around $43,500 on the streets. A sum of $77,000 in cash was also recovered, alongside a money counter, several vehicles, and electric bicycles. The total value of all seized items is estimated at $278,500, according to police reports. Of the eight individuals arrested, six remain in custody while the remaining two were released on an undertaking, meaning they are free but must appear in court at a later date. All eight face charges related to trafficking in prohibited firearms, possession of controlled substances, and using proceeds from criminal activities. The charges could lead to significant penalties, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. The investigation reportedly began in March after police received intelligence suggesting ongoing criminal activity involving both firearms and narcotics. Over the course of several months, detectives worked to gather evidence against those suspected of participating in this network. The involvement of the Canadian Border Services Agency suggests that cross-border elements may have played a role in the distribution or transportation of contraband. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about the suspects' alleged roles within the criminal organization, nor have they named them publicly. However, police emphasized that the seizure represents a major disruption to local criminal networks operating in Winnipeg. The operation highlights the continued presence of organized crime in the city, particularly in areas associated with the search warrants executed on Tuesday. The recovery of multiple prohibited firearms underscores concerns about gun violence in the region. In recent years, Winnipeg has faced challenges related to illegal gun possession and the resulting public safety risks. Police have previously stated that efforts to combat such issues require collaboration between local agencies and federal partners like the Canadian Border Services Agency. As the legal process unfolds, more information about the case is expected to emerge through court proceedings and official statements from the Winnipeg Police Service. For now, the focus remains on the immediate consequences of the arrests and the impact of the seized assets on the criminal enterprise being investigated.