Winnipeg, Manitoba – In response to the increased levels of illicit opioid overdoses, The Winnipeg Police Service Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into a high-level drug trafficking operation in the spring of 2020.
With the assistance of the Tactical Support Team, the Guns and Gangs Unit and Central Division Community Support Unit, investigators were able to identify and arrest multiple suspects in this investigation.
On June 22, 2020, search warrants were executed in the 500 block of St-Mary Avenue and the 800 block of Waverley Street, leading to the seizure of;
1641 x ¼ gram Fentanyl pebbles
165 x 1 gram Fentanyl pebbles
170 grams Fentanyl pebbles
Total: 750 grams of Fentanyl estimated street value $375,000.00
$200,000.00 in Canadian currency
Packaging material, contaminated scales, cell phones and four safes
21-page “how-to” instruction manual on inner workings of the operation
Winchester Pump-action 12 Guage Shotgun
(2) Simonov SKS Semi-Automatic Rifles
(2) Cooey 84 Single Shot Shotguns
GSG Semi-Automatic Rifle
Mossberg Semi-Automatic Rifle
2 Canisters of Bear Spray
$10,000 worth of gold jewellery
Keaton Brayden ELLIS, a 26-year-old male, faces charges of;
– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
– Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Branden Anthony ELLIS, a 27-year-old male, faces charges of;
– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
– Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Jonathan Michael PACE, a 29-year-old male, faces charges of;
– Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
– Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
They were released on Appearance Notices.
Any Illicit drug that is contaminated with Fentanyl can be potentially fatal.
The Winnipeg Police Service wishes to remind those who suffer from addiction issues to reach out to medical professionals for assistance.
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba contact information:
Manitoba Addictions Helpline (toll-free): 1.855.662.6605
email: [email protected]
General Enquiries- Winnipeg : 204.944.6200 (toll-free) 1.866.638.2561
Additionally, anyone with any information regarding illegal drug activity and or illegal firearms is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 204-786-8477 where your identity will never be revealed, and cash awards are offered.
Drug Seizure – Investigation: R20-12189
Winnipeg Police Service
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