$3.4 million worth of heroin and opium seized in Winnipeg; drugs woven in rugs
Ten people from Winnipeg have been arrested and charged following two drug trafficking investigations that resulted in $3.4 million worth of heroin and opium seized, some of which was hidden in rugs.
The Winnipeg Police Service and the Canada Border Services Agency ran the investigation, called Project Poppy, from September 2022 to February 2023.
Inspector Elton Hall with the Winnipeg Police Service said the opium-laced rugs came from Dubai to Winnipeg.
“The Drug Enforcement Unit determined that the names and addresses associated to the rugs were fictitious and information on the shipping labels was fabricated to avoid detection by CBSA and police,” he said. “The addresses associated to many of the packages imported to Canada did not exist or were delivered to vacant or unoccupied properties.”
Hall said the opium was found in carpet threads that were woven through the rugs, and it would be extracted when delivered.
On Sept. 22, police executed a search warrant at a home in the Maples neighbourhood, taking three people into custody.
Police seized four rugs containing 9.6 kilograms of opium, with an estimated street value of $2 million. They also seized 227 grams of black tar heroin, 20.8 grams of powder heroin, and drug trafficking materials. The three people arrested, all from Winnipeg, have been charged with multiple drug trafficking offences.
The second investigation started in December in Maples, lasting approximately two months. Multiple search warrants were executed in Winnipeg and West St. Paul, including in two vehicles, two homes and four banks.
Police seized approximately seven kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of $1.4 million. They also seized approximately 473,490 in Canadian currency, approximately $120,000 in gold jewelry and drug trafficking materials.
Seven people, ranging in age from 25 to 50, are facing multiple drug trafficking charges.
Hall said Winnipeg is seeing more heroin on the streets as a result of the fentanyl crisis.
“For a lot of years, you didn’t see heroin in the city, but now with the new fentanyl crisis, we have much more heroin entering the city,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.