Months-long RCMP investigation leads to charges against Manitoba Warriors in alleged cocaine trafficking ring

Police have made several arrestsfollowing a months-long investigation into a drug trafficking network RCMP say was funnelling cocaine into northern Manitoba communities.

The investigation, code named Project Derelict, began in July and looked at how the drug was getting into several northern communities, including The Pas, Easterville and Fairford.

RCMP say the the drug pipeline started in Winnipeg and the RM of Headingley, and was being run by the Manitoba Warriors street gang.

The investigation led to an Oct. 5 traffic stop on Highway 6,where a full-patch member of the Manitoba Warriors and three passengers were found with 84 grams of cocaine, RCMPsaid in a news release Saturday.

Police believe the four were headed to Easterville.

Officers then raided a home in the RM of Headingley, where theyfound a cocaine cutting station with a press and packaging materials, as well as a 9-mmcarbine rifle and ammunition, RCMPsaid.

A Manitoba Warriors street gang associate and another full-patch member of the gang, already in custody at Headingley Correctional Centre, were later charged as well.

The 30-year-old man already in custody is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine and conspiracy to possess the proceeds of crime.

A 35-year-old man from the RM of Headingley is facing a number of trafficking and firearms-related charges.

The 34-year-old man arrested while driving to Easterville is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and conspiracy to possess the proceeds of crime.

Three women, one from Easterville and two from The Pas, are all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The RCMP's organized crime and integrated gang intelligence units continue toinvestigate.

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