Major Crime Bust in Manitoba: Project Dolar Dismantles Drug and Weapon Trafficking Ring

Project Dolar: A Major Blow to Organized Crime in Southern Manitoba

In a decisive victory for public safety, law enforcement agencies have successfully dismantled a sophisticated drug and weapons trafficking network operating across Southern Manitoba. The extensive 19-month operation, known as “Project Dolar,” has resulted in dozens of charges and the seizure of a significant arsenal of illegal goods.

This collaborative effort involved the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Winkler Police Service, showcasing a powerful partnership in the fight against organized crime within the province.

The Scope of the Investigation

The probe began in December 2024, after the Winkler Police Service identified a local business being used as a gateway for importing multiple kilograms of cocaine. What started as a targeted investigation quickly expanded in both size and scope, revealing a broader network involved in the trafficking of various narcotics and illegal firearms.

According to Supt. Jeff Asmundson of the RCMP’s Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team, the operation evolved to uncover deep-rooted ties between drug distribution and the illegal arms trade, affecting several communities across the region.

Massive Seizures: What Was Recovered?

The results of the raids were staggering. Police searched residential and commercial properties in Winkler, the RM of Stuartburn, Thornhill, La Rivière, and McCreary. The total seizures include:

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• Narcotics: 8 kilograms of cocaine and 2.5 kilograms of psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
• Weaponry: 13 restricted handguns (three of which were illegally trafficked) and 44 non-restricted firearms.
• Ammunition: Thousands of rounds of various calibres.
• Other Contraband: 228 cartons of unstamped tobacco and $4,500 in cash.
• Assets: Four vehicles used for trafficking, with a combined value of approximately $110,000.

Charges and Legal Consequences

The crackdown has led to 67 charges laid against 13 individuals hailing from 10 different Manitoban communities. Among the arrests is a 29-year-old man from Carman, Manitoba, who faces 29 charges, including cocaine and firearm trafficking. Police believe this individual held a mid-to-high level position within the organized crime hierarchy.

Additionally, two men from Winnipeg, aged 35 and 38, are currently facing charges for conspiring to traffic cocaine.

Commitment to Community Safety

Manitoba’s Minister of Justice, Matt Wiebe, emphasized that the trade of illegal guns and drugs impacts communities of all sizes. During a recent press conference, Wiebe highlighted the danger these weapons pose to the public, describing the bust as a “significant” step in removing threats from the streets.

While Supt. Asmundson acknowledged that drug trafficking is a persistent challenge, he noted that Project Dolar has made a “definite dent” in the criminal landscape of Southern Manitoba. Law enforcement expects further arrests and additional charges as the investigation continues to unfold.