Weapons, illicit drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia have been taken off the streets following a weeks-long joint force operation between the Altona, Morden and Winkler police services. Project Hat Trick ran from November 1, 2023, to December 23, 2023.
According to a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, three drug search warrants were executed in Morden and Winkler on December 15th by members of the Regional Support Tactical Team, PSDs Juno and Ice, along with general patrol members from all three police departments. Nine people were arrested between the three locations and police seized cocaine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and weapons.
Then on December 23rd, an additional search warrant was executed in Altona, and three people were arrested. Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and proceeds of crime were seized.
Total seizures from this investigation include:
- 44 grams of methamphetamine
- cocaine and pills
- 5 firearms, one being a sawed-off rifle
- stun gun, bear spray and a collapsible baton
- and drug paraphernalia including scales, safes, and packaging
In total, 10 people have been charged as a result of Project Hat Trick.
"The results of this joint force operation would not have been possible without the partnerships between these three police services, along with the support of Manitoba Justice and the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre," stated the joint news release. "This is an example of what can be achieved through regional policing collaborations."