A recent police operation in southern Manitoba led to the arrest of over a dozen individuals, seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine and mushrooms, and confiscation of nearly 60 firearms. The investigation, known as Project Dolor, lasted 18 months and encompassed multiple communities in the region.
Authorities have filed charges against 13 people for a total of 67 drug and gun trafficking offenses following searches conducted in 10 different communities within the last month. Superintendent Jeff Asmundson stated during a press briefing in Winnipeg that the operation had a significant impact on disrupting criminal activities, although other traffickers may attempt to take over due to existing demand.
Apart from the 13 individuals facing charges, two men from Winnipeg have also been taken into custody with pending charges. Project Dolor was initiated in December 2024 after the Winkler police notified the RCMP about large cocaine shipments entering a local business.
The investigation expanded to involve the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team as it was discovered that guns and other illicit substances were also part of the criminal network operating in various Manitoba locations. The network was found to be active in Carman, Manitou, La Rivière, Thornhill, Morden, Winkler, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, McCreary, Winnipeg, the rural municipality of Stuartburn, and other areas.
The first arrest was made in Carman involving a 28-year-old man found with two kilograms of cocaine and a prohibited handgun during a traffic stop in February. Subsequently, the man faced 29 charges related to drug and gun trafficking offenses.
Further arrests were made following search warrants executed in residential and commercial properties in Winkler, the RM of Stuartburn, Thornhill, La Rivière, and McCreary over the past month. These searches led to the discovery of eight kilograms of cocaine, 2½ kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, 13 restricted handguns (including three trafficked illegally), and 44 non-restricted firearms, many of which were unlawfully stored.
Additionally, law enforcement recovered four vehicles valued at $110,000, a substantial amount of ammunition, 228 cartons of unstamped tobacco, and $4,500 in cash. Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe commended the collaborative efforts of the police forces involved, emphasizing the importance of disrupting organized crime and ensuring community safety.