As a result of 50 days of investigating mid-level drug dealers, Winnipeg police have seized over a million dollars in meth.
Police said Friday a joint campaign by drug enforcement and street crime units focused of the illegal meth, cocaine and heroin trade.
Thanks to their efforts, police seized 10.14 kg of meth, with the million-dollar price tag, as well as $127,000 in heroin, $5,000 in fentanyl and $40,000 in cash.
Five adults have been arrested.
Insp. Max Waddell of the Organized Crime Unit said the meth seizure was the largest to date in Winnipeg.
The money would have gone directly into the hands of organized crime, he added.
“This is really about disruption. That’s our main goal, to disrupt the flow of drugs into Winnipeg,” he said.
WATCH: Enforcement, intervention and education needed to combat meth crisis
On Nov. 19, police arrested a man in the area of Broadway and Sherbrook Street as part of their investigation.
A search of a vehicle turned up 10 half-kilogram packages of meth.
A second man was taken into custody at a residence in St. Vital, where a further 1.1 kg of meth was seized, as well as $24,550 in cash, a money counter, packing material, vacuum sealer and scales.
Andre Maurice Lussier, 35, and Ryan Richard Trudeau, 32, face charges of meth possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a scheduled substance, and possessing the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
Both were released on a promise to appear.
On Dec. 2, police raided homes in Transcona and Lakeside Meadows and found 3.64 kg of meth with an estimated street value of $364,000, along with a $126,000 of heroin and $40,000 in cash.
Two men, 56 and 26, were arrested and charged with possession of both meth and heroin for the purpose of trafficking, as well as possessing the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
A 37-year-old woman was arrested Jan. 3 in a raid on another Transcona home.
The search revealed meth with an estimated street value of $50,000, 10 grams of fentanyl, two grams of heroin, two rocks of crack, a scale, scoresheets and packaging material.
Crystal Smith faces charges of possessing meth for the purpose of trafficking, possessing a scheduled substance and possessing the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
She was released on a promise to appear.
The varying neighbourhoods of each incident shows that meth and other drugs are found everywhere, not just downtown, said Waddell.
“Illicit drugs draw no borders,” he said. “Those who choose to traffic illicit drugs live in all areas.”
By the numbers
- Total meth seized in 2016: 11 kilos
- Total meth seized in 2017: 12 kilos
- Total meth seized in 2018: 26.8 kilos
WATCH: Winnipeg police announced a significant seizure of meth Friday
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