11 people have been charged in months-long Joint Force Operation (JFO) police have dubbed Project Terminus.
The Morden and Winkler police services investigation began in December, and on January 24th the project team charged two people after seizing meth, a replica firearm and a large amount of Canadian currency following a traffic stop.
Another stop two days later resulted in one person being charged with possession of a controlled substance.
On January 30th, police, including the Regional Support Tactical Team (RSTT) executed three drug search warrants in Winkler, arresting another three people and seizing cocaine along with proceeds of crime. Members of the Pembina Valley RCMP assisted with containment during these search warrants.
Then on February 15th, two more people were arrested, and a firearm was seized in yet another traffic stop.
Six days later, a search warrant was executed by the project team, the RSTT and Pembina Valley RCMP at a home in Roland resulting in two arrests and the seizure of cocaine, meth and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Finally, on March 14th, a search warrant was executed in Morden, again by the project team and RSTT. One more person was arrested, and a quantity of cocaine and Canadian currency was seized.
In total, police removed 2.7 grams of meth, 128 grams of cocaine, 2 firearms - one being a replica, $29,253 in Canadian currency, and drug paraphernalia including scales, safes, and packaging from the communities.
The following individuals were arrested and charged because of this investigation:
John MacDonald of British Columbia was arrested possession of an imitation weapon for dangerous purpose, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a restricted prohibited weapon, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and possession of a prohibited weapon in motor vehicle.
Connor Seeley of Morden was arrested possession of an imitation weapon for dangerous purpose, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a restricted prohibited weapon, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and possession of a prohibited weapon in motor vehicle.
Evan Klassen of Winkler was charged with possession of cocaine.
Bruce Cruz of Winkler was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000.
Gerhard Harder of Winkler was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000 and trafficking cocaine.
Maria Teichroeb of Winkler was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000.
William Keller of Winkler was charged with careless use of a firearm.
Chris Wolfe of Chortitz was charged with careless use of a firearm.
Alex Klassen of Roland was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of methamphetamine.
Kyra Klassen of Roland was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and possession of methamphetamine.
Martin Penner of Morden was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine of possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000.
In a news release issued by the Morden Police Service, authorities say the results of this Joint Force Operation would not have been possible without the partnerships between the Morden and Winkler police services, along with assistance from the Pembina Valley RCMP.
"This is another example of what can be achieved through interoperability policing collaborations."
The release added, support from Manitoba Justice and the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre provided additional resources to allow police to thoroughly investigate and work towards making our communities safer now and into the future.