The Manitoba RCMP recently seized approximately $1.5 million in illicit drugs and cash as part of a three-month investigation into high-level drug trafficking occurring within the province.
Project Deepwater was led by the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET). Using various investigative techniques, officers uncovered an inter-provincial drug trafficking network being operated in Winnipeg.
The investigation revealed the suspect was distributing large amounts of cocaine to support drug trafficking activities in communities throughout Manitoba.
On Feb. 5, MILET executed search warrants at two residential addresses in Winnipeg’s Amber Gates neighbourhood with the support of officers from the Winnipeg Police Service Tactical Support Team, the Selkirk General Investigation Section and the RCMP Roving Traffic Unit.
Inside those addresses, investigators found approximately 7,000 counterfeit pills disguised as over-the-counter painkiller medication. A subsequent lab analysis determined the pills were a mix of heroin and medetomidine, a veterinary sedative that creates a potent and dangerous drug combination that increases risks for users.
In addition to the pills, officers seized:
- Nine kilograms of cocaine;
- Four kilograms of illicit marijuana;
- 28 grams of crack cocaine;
- $87,000 in cash; and
- Trafficking paraphernalia, including a money counter and a large processing press.
“Project Deepwater has significantly impacted the work of a inter-provincial network operating in this province and stopped very dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP. “These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and security of all Manitobans.”
Anthony Tran, 35, of Winnipeg has been charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking x2; and
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
Tran was remanded into custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 26 in Winnipeg.
The investigation continues.
