Winnipeg police seize 7.5 kilos of cocaine, $150k in cash in major organized crime bust

Winnipeg police have seized 7.5 kilos of cocaine and $150k in cash, arresting two suspects in major organized crime operation.

“A significant amount of drugs now to be pulled off the streets, and not allow any further trafficking,” said Dani McKinnon, Winnipeg police service. “This is a bit of an interesting story, it involves an interprovincial drug investigation, it involves hidden secret compartments in some vehicles, it almost sounds like a movie but it is unfortunately the reality that police are facing nowadays with organized drug crime and trafficking.”

The seizure took place on Sept.10th, when the organized crime unit was contacted by the Manitoba RCMP about a vehicle suspected of drug trafficking which was headed to Winnipeg. Investigators located two cars in Winnipeg, where they observed what appeared to be a drug-trafficking transaction between the drivers in the Tyndall Park area.

“These vehicles were intercepted in Winnipeg, believed to be part of an interprovincial drug trafficking ring, and nonetheless two individuals ended up being arrested and charged with numerous drug trafficking offences,” said McKinnon.

The two suspects are 35-year-old Joshual Michael Hahn of Calgary, and 31-year-old Alexander Vicedo of Winnipeg. They are each facing charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine) and Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Constable Dani McKinnon says the hidden aftermarket compartment in the vehicle speaks to the motivation, and sophistication of organized crime.

“These compartments are sophisticated, and I didn’t see this one so I’m not sure exactly, but we have reported on similar types of vehicle compartments in the past, and they’re hidden, they’re meant to be difficult to find, and it takes a trained eye,” said McKinnon.