Winnipeg Police Crack Down on Organized Crime, Uncover Millions in Cocaine and Firearms

In a series of high-profile raids, the Winnipeg police have arrested 11 individuals and charged them with a wide range of crimes related to organized crime, including murder, weapons, and drug trafficking. The investigation, which began after a fatal shooting at an Exchange District nightclub in 2019, has led to the seizure of millions of dollars' worth of cocaine, firearms, and other contraband.

Key Takeaways:

The investigation involved over 200 hours of work by police and resulted in the arrest of 10 men and 1 woman on charges including murder, weapons, and drug trafficking.
The investigation began after the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jamshaid Wahabi at an Exchange District nightclub in November 2019.
The killing was allegedly retaliation for Wahabi's death, and police seized 22 firearms, including four .50 calibre handguns, from a house in the Normand Park area.
The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 5 kilograms of cocaine, worth an estimated $450,000, and approximately 2.5 kilograms of a cutting agent.
Those charged include several high-level drug traffickers, as well as individuals accused of benefiting from the criminal organization.
Three brothers, aged 21-29, are among those charged with various offences, including possession of stolen property and assault.

Statistics:

Approximately 5 kilograms of cocaine seized, worth an estimated $450,000.
Approximately 2.5 kilograms of a cutting agent seized.
$190,000 in Canadian currency seized.
13 mobile phones seized.
Gold jewellery valued at $20,000 seized.
Over 200 hours of police work involved in the investigation.
22 firearms, including four .50 calibre handguns, seized.

Sources:

Winnipeg Free Press

[1] Winnipeg Police Service

[2]

[1]" Winnipeg police make 11 arrests in organized crime crackdown," Winnipeg Free Press, 2020
[2]" Winnipeg police seize cocaine, firearms in organized crime investigation," CBC News, 2020