Winnipeg man charged for drug trafficking, money laundering through casinos

The RCMP in Manitoba says a man has been charged for allegedly trafficking drugs and attempting to cover it up by using casinos.

Mounties say in October 2022, they were notified by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (MBLL) about “suspicious activity” in Winnipeg casinos.

Through their investigation, officers learned a 30-year-old man from Winnipeg was supplying T3s, Percocets, crack/cocaine, and fentanyl to the remote First Nation communities of Red Sucker Lake, Garden Hill, Island Lake, and St. Theresa Point in Manitoba. As well as North Spirit Lake in Ontario and Winnipeg.

Percocets seized by RCMP. (Photo Credit: Manitoba RCMP)

The RCMP also learned that cash proceeds from the drug sales were then used at casinos in an effort to hide the connection to the criminal activity.

“The amount of illicit drugs entering northern Manitoba communities was of great concern during this investigation,” said Insp. Tim Arseneault of RCMP Major Crime Services. “The cooperation of all agencies involved helped short circuit this supply chain and potentially save lives in these communities.”

Oxyfen seized by RCMP. (Photo Credit: Manitoba RCMP)

Mounties say the 30-year-old was arrested on Sept. 19. Following the arrest, police also searched a man’s home, during which officers found and seized the following items:

• Two vehicles;
• 498 grams of crack cocaine;
• 882 counterfeit OxyContin tablets (fentanyl);
• 241 Percocet tablets;
• 26 gabapentin tablets;
• and 348 unknown tablets.

The 30-year-old has since been charged with various drug trafficking and money laundering charges.