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4w ago

Winnipeg Police Announce Largest Drug Seizure in Manitoba History

The two-year Project Puma probe dismantled an import and warehousing network that fed local drug markets and contributed to violence and crime.

The Winnipeg Police Service headquarters is pictured in Winnipeg, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert
Winnipeg police Insp. Josh Ewatski speaks at a news conference in Winnipeg on Wednesday, where police announced what they say is the largest drug bust in Manitoba history.
The WPS shared the results of Project Puma at a press conference in police headquarters on Wednesday, alongside representatives from Albertan and Ontarian police forces.

Overview

  • Police announced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 that the operation resulted in 33 arrests and 174 criminal charges tied to drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and conspiracy.
  • Investigators seized more than 525 kilograms of illegal drugs—339 kg of methamphetamine, 175 kg of cocaine and 11.25 kg of fentanyl—worth about $37.2 million, plus an undisclosed quantity of pills and cannabis derivatives.
  • Officers also recovered 14 firearms, roughly $825,000 in cash, seven vehicles and 1.35 million contraband cigarettes during the takedown.
  • Winnipeg police said Project Puma began in May 2024 and involved coordinated work with FINTRAC, the Ontario Provincial Police and police forces in Alberta and Toronto to trace imports from the United States and warehousing in Alberta and Ontario.
  • Authorities allege links to organized‑crime groups and said the seizure targets the supply chain behind local violence and addiction; prosecutions are underway, seven suspects have pleaded guilty and two people from Brantford remain wanted.