21 loaded handguns, cocaine seized from downtown Winnipeg apartment

Winnipeg police say a 24-year-old man has been arrested after 21 loaded handguns were seized from a downtown home earlier this month.

The Winnipeg Police Service says the weapons were likely shipped into the country from the United States and may have been destined for anywhere in Manitoba or across Canada.

“By seizing these firearms, the organized crime unit members have prevented possibly numerous shootings, including homicides, not only in Winnipeg and Manitoba, but throughout Canada,” Insp. Josh Ewatski of the WPS organized crime division told a press conference Monday.

“We learned that many of these firearms are trafficked within the province and across the country, either before or after being used.”

Police first provided information about the operation and the man’s arrest on May 13, but released more details on Monday.

Winnipeg police are investigating if the handguns are connected to crimes under investigation.

In addition to the 21 restricted handguns taken during the May 7 search of the apartment suite at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Hargrave Street, police seized a silencer, about 200 rounds of ammunition, some cocaine, cash, two cellphones and a computer.

While Ewatski says the firearms are for the most part “pretty typical” of the handguns seen on Winnipeg streets, the silencer is a “very good indication” the weapon was intended for illegal use.

“The silencer is not something we run across regularly, but we have run across them in the past,” he said.

Police allege the suspect, Jawad Miakhail, was involved in organized crime and trafficking cocaine to several northern Manitoba communities, where drugs can be sold for more than in the capital city. They say he is not linked to Project Puma, the police investigation into a “sophisticated criminal network” that recently led to the largest drug seizure in Manitoba history.

Winnipeg police also allege Miakhail is responsible for firing a bullet at a church across the street from his home. The Cavalry Temple is right across from the building on Cumberland.

The accused, who was known to police, is facing dozens of gun and drug charges. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.

Police say they are not seeing an increase in gun crime in Winnipeg, but it’s still a “significant issue” in the city.

“It poses a huge threat to public safety and to our officers,” Insp. Ewatski said.