9 arrested in drug raids

Police seized a half million dollars in cash during raids on suspected drug dealers in and around Winnipeg Wednesday.

Officers released information on the operation at a news conference Thursday – they say the investigation involved suspects allegedly involved in “multi-kilogram cocaine trafficking”. While the busts turned up only a small amount of cocaine, police say they did find the $500,000 in cash, and 35 pounds of marijuana and hash. Officers also found $40,000 worth of jewelry and seized more than half a dozen automobiles. The raids were directed by the police Organized Crime Unit; warrants were also executed in Montreal, and Langley BC.

Nine people were arrested, including a 41-year old man sources say is a known member of the Rock Machine – a biker gang many thought was defunct ten years ago, but has reappeared and now has chapters in the US, Australia and Canada, including Manitoba, according to the group’s website.

In court documents made public earlier this year, justice officials warned of the potential for violence as the Rock Machine moved into Manitoba to fill the void left by the Hells Angels and their puppet club, the Zig Zag Crew, which have been decimated by police raids. In February the RCMP claimed to have “arrested every member of the Zig Zag Crew in this province” – clearing the way for rival gang to establish a larger presence here.

A source told Global News the latest operation had targeted what officers jokingly refer to as the “Greek mafia”. Some of the suspects arrested Wednesday have Greek-sounding names, including Kosmas Dritsas and George Dritsas. In 2008, authorities intercepted two Australian Rock Machine members at the Winnipeg airport – Michael Xanthoudakis and Eneliko Sabine.

Police say Wednesday’s raids could lead to more arrests. All those taken into custody face charges on “numerous drug related offenses,” according to police.

Those arrested Wednesday:

“¢ Cirilio Bautista LOPEZ, 41 years

“¢ Kosmas DRITSAS, 39 years

“¢ Orazio Pasquale SINISI, 35 years

“¢ Sandy Sousa SINISI, 35 years

“¢ 20 year old female

“¢ Claudia Margarita MILLA-HERNANDEZ, 39 years

“¢ Ronald Jeffery KING, 41 years

“¢ George DRITSAS, 65 years

“¢ 24 year old female