Canada Wide Probe leads To Dozens Of Arrests largest Drug Bust In Winnipeg Police History

Canadian police have announced the largest drug bust in the history of the Winnipeg Police Service after a massive two-year investigation led to dozens of arrests across multiple provinces. The operation, called “Project Puma,” resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs worth nearly $37.2 million and exposed a major organized crime network linked to drug trafficking across Canada. Authorities confirmed that 33 people were arrested and 174 charges were laid during the nationwide investigation.

According to Winnipeg police, investigators seized huge quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl during raids carried out in Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario. Police recovered around 339 kilograms of methamphetamine, 175 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl. Officials said the drugs were being distributed through a large trafficking network connected to organized crime groups operating across Canada.

Authorities described the operation as the biggest drug seizure ever recorded in Manitoba’s history. Police also seized 14 firearms, nearly $825,000 in cash, and more than one million illegal cigarettes during the investigation. Officers said the criminal network had links to high-level organized crime groups, including the Hells Angels, the Wolfpack Alliance gang, and unnamed Mexican cartels.

Investigators explained that the probe began in late 2023 after police received information about a major criminal organization operating between Manitoba and Alberta. In May 2024, Winnipeg Police officially launched Project Puma with support from provincial authorities and law enforcement agencies across Canada. Over time, officers uncovered several trafficking groups working together under one larger criminal network responsible for importing and distributing illegal drugs.

Winnipeg Police Service Organized Crime Inspector Josh Ewatski said the availability of drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine continues to worsen addiction and overdose problems across Canada. He stated that the investigation targeted both high-level organizers and street-level traffickers involved in the operation. Officials believe dismantling the network will significantly reduce the flow of dangerous drugs into communities in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe praised the joint operation and called it an important victory against organized crime. He said cooperation between police departments and government agencies played a major role in the success of the investigation. Authorities also warned that criminal organizations are increasingly working together across provinces and international borders, making drug investigations more complex than in the past.

The case has drawn major attention across Canada because of both the size of the drug seizure and the growing concern over fentanyl-related deaths and organized crime activity. Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active and more arrests or charges could still follow as police continue examining evidence connected to the trafficking network.