Making Manitoba Safer

• Solving Homicides
• Firearms and Drugs Seized
• Project Develop
• Marihuana Seized
• Youths Charged with Arson
• Break and Enters
• Joint Efforts

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Solving Homicides

RCMP Major Crime Services has a high solve rate on homicides:

2010	23 of 24 homicides solved (96%)
2005-2009	99 of 118 homicides solved (84%)
2000-2004	66 of 73 homicides solved (90%)

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Firearms and Drugs Seized

Cross Lake

As part of the RCMP's ongoing efforts to get drugs and illegal weapons out of Manitoba communities, Cross Lake RCMP executed a search warrant in late January at a residence in Cross Lake.

RCMP investigators seized a quantity of cocaine, marihuana, prescription pills, several thousand dollars in cash, as well as three firearms and items related to the transportation and distribution of drugs.

The accused was charged with a number of offences including trafficking cocaine and marihuana, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and three counts of careless storage of a firearm.

Norway House

Norway House RCMP executed a search warrant at the end of May at a residence on the Norway House Cree Nation, where investigators located approximately 196 grams of cocaine, 991 grams of marihuana, assorted drug paraphernalia, and approximately $3,000 in cash.

The estimated street value of the drugs in the community is nearly $40,000. One man and two women were arrested at the scene.

Keeseekoowenin First Nation

In June Elphinstone RCMP, with the support of Yellowhead RCMP and the Dauphin RCMP Police Dog Service, executed a search warrant on a residence in Keeseekoowenin First Nation.

Investigators located approximately nine kilograms of marihuana, several hundred grams of hashish oil, and two unregistered firearms from the residence.

Police also seized twenty-six marihuana plants growing on the property. The street value of these drugs is in excess of $120,000.

Two local residents have been charged with multiple drug trafficking and weapons offences.

Drugs Intercepted in Northern Manitoba

In April, several traffic stops resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs in northern Manitoba. Grand Rapids RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Highway 6, just north of Grand Rapids. RCMP approached the driver of the vehicle and an odour of marihuana was detected from the car. All four occupants, residents of Norway House, were arrested and a search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of seven ounces of cocaine (estimated value of $20,000).

Thompson RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Highway 6 south of Thompson where a quantity of crack cocaine with a street value of approximately $25,000 was seized and two people were arrested.

The Pas RCMP stopped a vehicle south of The Pas on Highway 10, and subsequently seized 20 ounces of cocaine which has a street value between $70,000 and $90,000 in The Pas.

Search Warrants Net Drugs

Virden RCMP arrested six people on drug-related charges as a result of executing three search warrants in the spring. Two people were arrested after seizing close to a pound of marihuana, along with a small quantity of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and hashish oil with a total estimated street value of over $5000.

Another four people were charged in April in relation to the seizure of approximately one ounce of cocaine, 1400 tablets of ecstasy, and approximately 2.5 grams of crystal meth, with a total estimated street value exceeding $17,000.

Police also arrested one man in late May, seizing approximately 112 grams of cocaine (estimated street value of over $10,000), a firearm and a small amount of cash.

Money Laundering, Proceeds of Crime

A drug trafficking investigation in 2008 by the Winnipeg Police Service Organized Crime Unit that included the seizure of approximately $150,000 in Canadian, American and Costa Rican currency, several diamonds and a Rolex watch, prompted a subsequent investigation into the suspect's finances by the RCMP Integrated Proceeds of Crime (IPOC) Unit.

IPOC conducted an extensive three-year investigation that included the seizure of a boat, a Harley Davidson motorcycle as well as a residence on Kingston Row and a cottage at Lake of the Woods, all believed to be the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. In late March, a Winnipeg man was charged with money laundering and possession of proceeds of crime.

The IPOC investigative team is a specialized, integrated Unit dedicated to investigating financial crime. It consists of members of the RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service, Canada Revenue Agency, Crown Attorneys from Public Prosecution Service Canada, accountants from the Forensic Accounting Management Group and Seized Property Management Directorate employees.

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Project Develop Targets Street-Level Drugs

A long-term RCMP East District investigation known as Project Develop culminated in May 2011 in more than 30 arrests, including dozens related to drug trafficking.

Initiated in November 2010, Project Develop was largely focused on street-level drug trafficking in the RCMP's East District in Manitoba.

 

 

 

Officers from eight detachments, including:

• Beausejour RCMP
• Grand Marais RCMP
• Lac du Bonnet RCMP
• Oakbank RCMP
• Powerview RCMP
• Selkirk RCMP
• Steinbach RCMP and
• Stonewall RCMP

arrested 34 people on a variety of offences associated to drug trafficking.

This long-term investigation was initiated by the RCMP East District, based on intelligence gathered by local detachment members.

The RCMP East District coordinated this investigation with the assistance of the:

• Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force,
• RCMP Major Crime Unit,
• RCMP Winnipeg Drug Section,
• RCMP Division Criminal Analysis Section and
• National Weapons Enforcement Support Team.

During this investigation, RCMP members seized crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marihuana, psilocybin and synthetic drugs with an estimated street value of about $18,000.

“Street-level drug traffickers are the foot soldiers of organized crime. They are the suppliers of drugs in rural communities,” said Superintendent Scott Kolody, RCMP East District Officer.

“Drug trafficking is a serious offence and we are committed to disrupting any such activity across Manitoba.”

During the Project, investigators also became aware of possible firearms trafficking activities on Sagkeeng First Nation, which lead to the execution of two search warrants.

Police seized a total of thirty-two non-restricted and six restricted firearms, including pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition. Two other search warrants were executed on drug-related offences resulting in the seizure of another firearm.

“Those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes, and communities,” said Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division. “The RCMP remains deeply committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.”

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Marihuana Seized

Grow Ops Shut Down

• On January 28, RCMP “D” Division Winnipeg Drug Section, with the assistance of the Winnipeg Police Service Tactical Unit, executed a CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) search warrant at a residence on McInnes Place in Winnipeg.

  RCMP found the home had been converted into a sophisticated marihuana grow operation.

  More than 800 marihuana plants in various stages of growth were discovered as well as a quantity of processed marihuana. The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at about $1.1 million.

  Although no one was in the home at the time, five people were arrested at a separate location and are facing drug-related charges.

  If you suspect a grow op in your community, do not investigate

  Contact your local RCMP Detachment or CrimeStoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

  www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

  TEXT: TIPMAN plus your message to
  CRIMES (274637)

• RCMP Winnipeg Drug Section executed a search warrant in April at a residence on Henderson Highway in Winnipeg, where investigators found and seized 889 marihuana plants in various stages of growth with an estimated street value of $889,000.

  Also seized was various grow equipment (lights, bulbs, wiring) valued at $25,000. The entire basement and most of the main floor of the residence was used to grow marihuana. Two Winnipeg men were arrested on drug production and trafficking charges.

Truckload of Marihuana Intercepted

In early February, Gimli RCMP and local emergency services were dispatched to the scene of a vehicle fire on Highway 8 near Minerva Road in the R.M. of Gimli.

Police and firefighters located a cube-style rental truck on the side of the highway with smoke coming from the cargo area.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze, it was discovered that the truck was carrying a quantity of marihuana plants, with an estimated value of $40,000.

Investigation revealed that the fire had started as a result of a propane heater being used in the cargo area of the truck.

Police observed a man leaving the scene of the fire, and subsequently arrested him for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, as well as driving while prohibited.

Thompson Man Charged in Drug Seizure

On March 18, 2011, Thompson RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the Westwood area of Thompson. A search of the residence produced approximately two and a half kilograms of marihuana worth approximately $20,000, and $6000 in cash.

A Thompson man has been remanded into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

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RCMP Charge Youth in String of Arsons

In late April, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP, along with local fire officials, responded to fires at two vacant house trailers and a shed at different locations in Crane River First Nation.

Investigation determined that the fires were the result of arson, causing nearly $260,000 in damage. Further investigation continued with the assistance of a local Band Constable and led to a local group of five male youths, who have since been arrested and charged with arson.

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Break and Enters

In early 2011, several suspects were arrested after a rash of break-ins in Portage la Prairie and Swan River.

In late January, Central Plains RCMP received a report of a break and enter to a residence on 18th Street SW in Portage la Prairie.

Investigation revealed that illegal entry was gained to the residence while the homeowner was at home and asleep. The suspect had entered the residence and the vehicle in the garage, and made off with alcohol and money.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had travelled on foot and attempted to gain entry to several residences and vehicles along 18th Street.

Within hours, RCMP members had located and identified the suspect, who was subsequently charged with a number of counts of break and enter, theft under $5,000, mischief and breach of probation.

Swan River RCMP arrested suspects in three separate incidents that occurred in January and February in the community.

A man was remanded into custody and is facing six charges relating to a break-in at a Swan River car dealership in early January.

The suspect has been charged with break, enter and theft, theft of a motor vehicle, mischief, possession of stolen property and driving while disqualified.

In another incident, a Swan River man was arrested, charged and remanded into custody after police caught him breaking into a local school in mid-February. His guilty plea on charges of break, enter and theft, and illegally possessing instruments for the purpose of committing a break and enter resulted in a sentence of six months in jail.

In early February, Swan River RCMP also arrested a male youth, age 15, who broke into a resident's garage in Swan River. The youth was arrested at the scene and charged with break and enter with intent.

In late February, Headingley Rural RCMP, with the assistance of the Stonewall RCMP and the RCMP “D” Division Auto Theft Unit, began an investigation into a number of reports of break and enters and thefts in the Headingley and Stonewall areas.

The thefts occurred mid-January and mid-March, targeting snowmobiles, dirt bikes and tools stolen from garages, sheds, utility trailers and yards.

As a result of the investigation, three suspects were charged with a total of 47 offences, including charges for break, enter and commit theft; theft; and firearms-related charges.

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Joint Efforts

Steinbach RCMP and Ste. Anne Police Joint Efforts Successful

Steinbach RCMP and the Ste. Anne Police Department wrapped up a second joint force project in April focusing on several crimes in the Steinbach and surrounding communities.

The project, which ran from February 15 to April 19, is the second of its kind in the last year. It involved a team of two Steinbach RCMP constables and one Ste. Anne Police constable. The team, known as the General Investigation Section (GIS), concentrated their efforts on investigating a number of complex crimes, including:

• Armed Robbery at Le Depanneur Store in Labroquerie (Jan. 18, 2011): one youth charged
• Break and Enter to the Le Depanneur Store in Labroquerie (Feb. 15, 2011): two youths charged
• Female in Steinbach was attacked in her garage by a male with a knife (Oct. 9, 2010). The same residence had a break-in June 29, 2010: one male charged for both incidents.
• Two drug investigations led to the seizure of $40,000 of marihuana plants and more than two pounds of packaged marihuana with an estimated street value of $7000: three people were charged
• A break, enter and theft and fraudulent use of a credit card: one male charged

The team also charged three impaired drivers, and worked on several sexual assault files and two other armed robbery files that are still under investigation.

Citizens' Tips Lead to Charges of Break and Enter and Armed Robbery

Just before midnight on February 14, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot near Le Depanneur Store at the gas station in La Broquerie.

The caller reported two males were seen leaving a vehicle, walking towards the store, wearing balaclavas and carrying a baseball bat. A short time later, Steinbach RCMP received a report of intrusion alarm at Le Depanneur Store.

RCMP attended and learned that the store had been broken into and lottery tickets had been stolen. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle they were driving.

Approximately an hour later, a vehicle matching the description was located travelling westbound on Highway 1 near the Highway 12 turn-off. The vehicle was stopped and four youths were arrested. Police located balaclavas, bear spray and the stolen lottery tickets in the vehicle.

Further investigation by the joint RCMP/Ste. Anne Police Department General Investigation Section led to two 16-year-old male youths being charged with break and enter, wearing a disguise in the commission of an offence and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. One youth was released by a justice for a court date in March.

The second youth, based on evidence obtained during this investigation, was also charged with an armed robbery that occurred at the same store on January 18, 2011.

In this case, a lone male entered the store wearing a balaclava and carrying pepper spray. The male confronted the store clerk and made off with an undisclosed amount of money. This youth was remanded into custody.

Steinbach RCMP appreciate the assistance of members of the public in this investigation.