Six people face charges for cocaine trafficking, including multiple youths, after an investigation led to a raid in the 500 block of Langside Street on Aug. 14.
The youngest suspect facing charges is a 12-year-old boy, said Winnipeg police, calling it the first time someone so young has been charged with trafficking in the city.
Officers say it's not uncommon for dealers to use children as drug mules, but for those children to actually be charged with trafficking is almost unheard of.
“Why someone would actively engage a 12-year-old in the drug trade - it’s beyond comprehension,” said Const. Eric Hofley from Winnipeg police.
Maria Matthew lives on the street where police raided the suspected crack house.
She said her 12-year-old daughter had to stay inside for most of recent months after the neighbours moved into the area.
“She hardly goes outside unless we go with her because too many things going on around here,” said Matthew.
For the first time in months, she said her family has been able to sleep through the night without having to worry about who might show up outside their door, thanks to the arrests.
The 12-year-old suspect arrested by police in the raid was already known to officers and was out on probation at the time.
Two adult women, a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old female, an 18-year-old male and the 12-year-old male face a range of charges, including possessing cocaine for the purposes of trafficking.
- with a report from Caroline Barghout
