Winnipeg crime news: Winnipeg police say a months long investigation into an alleged interprovincial drug trafficking network has taken nearly $1 million in drugs off the street, with nine people arrested in Winnipeg and Ontario.
By Maplestime News Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 10, 2026
Sources: CBC News | Last updated: November 10, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Winnipeg police announced Tuesday that a months long investigation into an alleged interprovincial drug trafficking network ended with search warrants in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area on August 26.
- Police seized drugs with an estimated street value of $970,000, plus $126,000 in Canadian cash, six firearms with ammunition and four vehicles.
- Nine people were arrested: six in Winnipeg, aged 24 to 57, charged with drug trafficking and firearms offences, and three in Ontario, aged 34 to 43, charged with drug trafficking.
- Investigators say the drugs were sourced in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, then moved to Winnipeg by vehicle, courier service, commercial airline and mail.
What Police Say They Seized
Police put the total street value of the drugs at about $970,000. The seizure included 12 kilograms of cocaine valued at $360,000, prescription opioids and other pills valued at $312,000, 29 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at $174,000, three kilograms of ketamine valued at $101,000 and two kilograms of MDMA valued at $5,000. Police said other drugs were seized as well.
Along with the drugs, officers seized $126,000 in Canadian cash, three rifles and three shotguns with ammunition, and four vehicles. The items were displayed at a news conference in Winnipeg on Tuesday.
How the Network Operated
The investigation began in December 2025. Police say investigators learned the drugs were sourced in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, then moved into Winnipeg through a combination of vehicles, courier services and commercial airlines, as well as by mail.
Search warrants were executed in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area on August 26 by the Winnipeg Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police and the RCMP. The Canada Border Services Agency was also involved in the investigation.
Nine Arrests, No Names Released
Six people were arrested in Winnipeg and charged with drug trafficking and firearms offences. They range in age from 24 to 57. Three people were arrested in Ontario and charged with drug trafficking. They range in age from 34 to 43.
Police have not released the names of anyone arrested, and no more specific charges were listed. The charges have not been tested in court.
Winnipeg police organized crime unit Insp. Josh Ewatski said the case shows the scale of the problem: “This was an organized criminal network operating across provincial boundaries, with infrastructure, resources and connections necessary to move significant quantities of illicit drugs into our communities.”
What Happens Next
The announcement came Tuesday, more than two months after the August 26 search warrants. No court dates were given in the police announcement.
Maplestime will provide updates from this Winnipeg police drug investigation as announcements are made.
Have a tip about this drug bust? Email [email protected]
Have a correction? Email [email protected]
Do you think nine arrests will dent the drug trade running through Winnipeg, or will another network fill the gap just as fast? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Canadian following crime and safety news in Winnipeg.
Enjoying Maplestime? Support independent Canadian journalism — no paywall, no corporate owners.
