RCMP Officers from the East District made numerous arrests and laid over 100 charges as part of a long-term investigation known as Project DEVELOP. Three of the arrests include 24-year-old Danielle Korin Stevents of Steinbach, 24-year-old Jeremy Wayne Unrau of Steinbach and 19-year-old Tyler Steven Jordanov of La Broquerie.
On May 6, 2011, Officers from Stonewall, Selkirk, Beausejour, Steinbach, Oakbank, Lac du Bonnet, Powerview and Grand Marais Detachments arrested 29 people on a variety of offences associated to drug trafficking and are seeking an additional three individuals wanted in connection with this project.
Outstanding warrants for Project DEVELOP include 30-year-old Terry Prince of Powerview, 26-year-old Alex Kingsland of Lac du Bonnet and 20-year-old Allerie Laity of Selkirk.
Project DEVELOP was initiated in November 2010 and largely focused on street level drug trafficking in the RCMP East District.
This long-term investigation was initiated by the RCMP East District, based on intelligence gathered by Detachment members. The RCMP East District coordinated this investigation with the assistance of the Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force, the RCMP Major Crime Unit, the RCMP Winnipeg Drug Section, the RCMP Division Criminal Analysis Section and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team.
During this investigation, RCMP members made numerous drug seizures. Seized during the investigation was crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin and synthetic drugs with an estimated street value of about $18,000.
“Those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes, and communities,” said Assistant Commissioner D.W. (Bill) Robinson, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division. “The RCMP remains deeply committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.”
“Street-level drug traffickers are the foot soldiers of organized crime. They are the suppliers of drugs in rural communities,” said Superintendent Scott Kolody, RCMP East District Officer. “Drug trafficking is a serious offence and we are committed to disrupting any such activity across Manitoba.”
During the Project, investigators also became aware of possible firearms trafficking activities on Sagkeeng First Nation which lead to the execution of two search warrants. A total of thirty-two non-restricted and six restricted firearms were seized. They include pistols, rifles, shotguns and ammunition.
Two other search warrants were executed on drug related offences resulting in another firearm seized.
In total 34 people are facing 104 charges in this Project.
All persons arrested will be appearing in their respective jurisdiction. Some will be released and compelled to court while others, depending on the circumstances, have been remanded in custody.
Members involved in Project DEVELOP continue their investigation.
