An investigation lasting nearly two full years has resulted in a significant quantity of drugs and firearms being seized throughout Manitoba. Manitoba RCMP released details about Project Dolar Tuesday, an investigation involving both RCMP and the Winkler Police Service that lasted 19 months. “The teamwork displayed during this project was exceptional,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, the commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP. “Everyone worked together and pushed in the same direction, with the goal of taking illicit drugs and illegal weapons off the streets.” RCMP said 15 people from 10 different communities, including Carman, Winkler, Winnipeg and Morden, have been charged with a combined 67 drug- and weapons-related offences. “The criminal network operated in these communities, and many others throughout southern Manitoba,” said Supt. Jeff Asmundson with the RCMP’s Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team. The investigation was launched in December 2024 after Winkler Police approached RCMP for help after learning multiple kilograms of cocaine were imported into an area business. During the investigation, officers seized approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, 2.5 kilograms of psylocibin, 13 restricted handguns and 44 non-restricted firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and 228 cartons of unstamped tobacco. Officers also seized four vehicles. RCMP said 29 of the charges have been laid against a Carman man, who has been in custody since February of this year after cocaine and a handgun were found in his car during a traffic stop. Asmundson said the investigation remains ongoing and more arrests and charges are expected. Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.
