Manitoba RCMP charge 22 people, seize $2.5M in drugs and guns in bust
Posted March 14, 2023 2:53 pm.
Manitoba RCMP has charged 22 people in connection to drug and gun trafficking in the province.
In May 2022, after learning about a gun and drug trafficking network, RCMP began an operation with the main objective being in Winnipeg.
Since the operation began, Mounties were able to seize over $2.5 million in drugs and 19 guns from various gang members and drug traffickers. The following items were seized:
- 7.8 kilograms of cocaine;
- 327 tablets of MDMA;
- 13.82 kilograms of crystal MDMA;
- 116 grams of purple down;
- 139.45 grams of carfentanil;
- 2.06 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine;
- 5 kilograms of psilocybin (mushrooms);
- firearms;
- vehicles;
- electronic devices;
- and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
During their investigation, RCMP was able to determine 36-year-old Hue Ha from Winnipeg was the main orchestrator of moving cocaine into Manitoba from Ontario. They note he would frequently go to Ontario to pick up drugs and unstamped cigarettes.
“Ha’s network was centred in Manitoba and reached into many communities throughout the province, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Poplar River, St. Laurent, Ashern, Fairford, and Gypsumville. Outside of the province, the network reached into Vancouver; Calgary; Pickering, ON; Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area; Moncton, NB; and Prince Edward Island,” said Manitoba RCMP in a statement.
Map of Canada – Vector illustration
Ha has since been taken into custody by RCMP. He is facing numerous charges relating to conspiracy and trafficking.
RCMP also learned that Ha had been receiving information regarding police enforcement plans. Officers were able to determine an individual responsible for the leaks to an investigator within the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit.
Donovan Sired, 50, also from Winnipeg, has been charged with bribery of officers, breach of trust by a public officer, and conspiracy to evade payment.
In total, 20 additional individuals from Manitoba and Ontario have been charged in connection to the trafficking network.
RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.
