Three Manitoba men busted in months-long catalytic converter investigation

Two men from Anola, Man., and one from Winnipeg are facing a raft of charges after a months-long investigation into the theft of catalytic converters.

Winnipeg police said the investigation, known as Project Precious led to a scrapyard on Springfield Road where stolen catalytic converters were believed to be sold.

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In addition to 13 catalytic converters, officers also seized $12,500 in cash, along with an estimated $900 in cocaine, $300 in illegal cannabis, and $300 in psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms).

Police said transactional documents were also found at the scene.

The Anola men, 35 and 48, are facing more than a half-dozen charges each, including multiple drug possession offences as well as possession and trafficking in property obtained by crime. Both were released on an appearance notice, police said.

The 43-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with possessing property obtained by crime and failing to comply with a release order. He was detained in custody.

3:36 St. Clements business sees repeated catalytic converter thefts