Members of Hells Angels and Mexican cartels among 33 arrested in Manitoba’s largest drug bust

Winnipeg police officials speak on the two-year investigation that led to the largest drug seizure in Manitoba’s history resulting in 33 arrests.

The Winnipeg Police Service seized more than 500 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 33 people in the largest drug seizure in Manitoba history.

The investigation, called Project Puma, lasted almost two years, and targeted a network of individuals linked to organized crime in Canada.

Insp. Josh Ewatski, with the police service’s organized crime unit, said more than 525 kilograms of drugs were seized, including cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. He said the drugs have an estimated street value of $37.2 million.

A total of 33 people were arrested and were collectively charged with 174 criminal offences related to drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and conspiracy. Warrants have been issued for two other suspects in Ontario. Ewatski said seven of those arrested have since pleaded guilty to offences, receiving sentences ranging from three to 16 years in prison.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, whose department helped fund the investigation, said the arrests send a message to Manitobans.

“Organized crime will not operate unchecked in this province, and we are not open for business to organized crime,” he said.

Ewatski said his unit received a tip in December 2023 about an organized crime group in Manitoba that was importing cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. The investigation was officially launched in May 2024.

‘Violence, addiction and significant harm’

Ewatski said drugs were being distributed throughout Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, noting it contributed to “violence, addiction and significant harm to vulnerable communities.”

He added investigators identified a core network of people connected to the “upper echelons” of several organized crime groups in North America, including Mexican cartels, the Hells Angels and the Wolfpack Alliance.

“The organization exerted significant influence over the distribution of illicit drugs across Manitoba and other provinces,” Ewatski said.

Police said drugs were imported from the United States through commercial transport vehicles and were warehoused primarily in Alberta and Ontario. They were then transferred to Manitoba through mail and courier services, transport vehicles and private vehicles with hidden compartments.

During their investigation, police seized 339 kilograms of methamphetamine, which had an estimated street value of $16.9 million, along with 175 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $17.5 million and 11.25 kilograms of fentanyl with an estimated street value of $2.7 million.

Firearms, vehicles seized

In addition to the drugs, 14 firearms, seven vehicles, approximately $825,000 in cash and more than 1.35 million illicit cigarettes were seized.

Deputy Chief Cam Mackid with the Winnipeg Police Service said the drug trade is linked to many issues in Winnipeg, from addiction to property crime and violence.

“This ecosystem of chaos is dependent on one thing; the constant supply and distribution of massive amounts of drugs in our community,” Mackid said.

“That makes it essential from a law enforcement perspective that we target the drug trade at all levels, up to and including the interprovincial and transnational organized crime groups behind these distribution networks.”

According to a new release from police, 29 of the people arrested and charged were from Manitoba, three were from Ontario and one was from Alberta.

Police have also issued two warrants for Randy Chao and Tyler DeFelice, both of Brantford, Ont., who are wanted on conspiracy-related charges.