A recent police operation in southern Manitoba led to the arrest of more than a dozen individuals and the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, and nearly 60 firearms. The investigation, known as Project Dolor, lasted for a year and a half and involved searches in multiple communities across the region.
Thirteen people are facing a total of 67 charges related to drug and gun trafficking following property raids in ten different communities over the past month. Manitoba RCMP stated that the operation had a significant impact on disrupting criminal activities in the area.
Apart from the 13 individuals already charged, two men from Winnipeg were also taken into custody, with charges pending against them. Project Dolor was initiated in December 2024 after authorities were alerted to large cocaine shipments entering a business in Winkler.
The investigation expanded to involve the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team as it uncovered a network involved in trafficking guns and various drugs across several Manitoba communities. Supt. Jeff Asmundson mentioned that the criminal network operated in numerous locations, including Carman, Manitou, La Rivière, Thornhill, Morden, and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes.
The first arrest was made in February when a 28-year-old man from Carman was found in possession of two kilograms of cocaine and a prohibited handgun during a traffic stop. Subsequently, he faced 29 charges related to drug and gun trafficking offenses.
Further arrests were made during property searches in Winkler, RM of Stuartburn, Thornhill, La Rivière, and McCreary, where law enforcement seized eight kilograms of cocaine, 2½ kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, and a variety of firearms. The recovered items also included vehicles, ammunition, unstamped tobacco, and cash.
Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe commended the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies, stating that the successful operation demonstrated the impact of coordinated actions in combating organized crime and ensuring community safety.