4 arrested, 1 wanted in fentanyl drug trafficking investigation: police

Four people have been charged in connection with alleged fentanyl trafficking in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg police are searching for a fifth suspect in connection with a new form of fentanyl on city streets.

Dennis Spence, 44, is wanted for his involvement in a drug trafficking investigation, which saw the seizure of around $225,000 worth of illicit drugs and more than $50,000 in Canadian cash. Four others were arrested.

Last month, police warned the public about a new batch of the drug, pressed and packaged to look like cut-out cookies, soaps, candies and confections.

On Feb. 20, a 51-year-old Winnipeg man was charged with several offences, including two counts of possessing a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possessing proceeds of property obtained by crime over and under $5,000, and three counts of possessing a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.

He remains in custody.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service’s (WPS) Guns and Gangs Unit then searched an apartment complex in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue. Three women were arrested.

Police also said they found around 10 ounces of fentanyl, 10 grams of fentanyl, and 15 fentanyl pouches with a combined estimated street value of more than $20,000.

Officers also allegedly located 15 rounds of shotgun ammunition, .22 calibre ammunition, as well as a loaded magazine, and $1,625 in cash.

A 21-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman were charged with a drug trafficking offence and possessing proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Both remain in custody.

A 32-year-old woman is facing a similar drug-related charge and was released on an undertaking.

The charges haven’t been tested in court.

Police also searched a home in the 300 block of Atkins Street. There, officers said they found around 1827 grams of methamphetamine, 223 grams of cocaine, 33 grams of fentanyl, and an assortment of opioid pills, all with a combined street value of more than $120,000. Police also said they found around $45,000 cash, along with scales, packaging materials and cell phones.

Anyone with information regarding Spence’s whereabouts is asked to contact the WPS Guns and Gangs Unit at 204-986-8430 or Crime Stoppers.

Police are also asking those who may come into contact with the fentanyl confections to call the WPS non-emergency line. To reduce the risk of an opioid overdose, police recommend carrying naloxone and never using drugs alone.

- With files from CTV’s Charles Lefebvre