A sample of drugs seized in Project Decibel.
RCMP officers from the Spruce Plains Area made several arrests and laid nine charges of trafficking in narcotics as part of a long-term investigation known as Project Decibel.
On May 15 and May 16, 2012, officers from Minneodsa, Neepawa, and Gladstone RCMP arrested three people on a variety of offences associated to drug trafficking and are seeking an additional fourth individual in connection with this project.
Project Decibel was initiated in December 2011 and largely focused on street-level drug trafficking in the RCMP West District, in particular the Spruce Plains Area which includes the communities of Neepawa, Minnedosa, Gladstone, and surrounding areas.
This long-term investigation was initiated by the RCMP Spruce Plains Area based on intelligence gathered by detachment members. The RCMP Brandon Major Crime Unit coordinated this investigation in concert with the Spruce Plains Area RCMP.
During this investigation, RCMP members made seizures of quantities of powder cocaine and oxycontin.
“Any investigation relies on the involvement and support of the community in partnership with police and other agencies in our communities,” said Superintendent Glen Siegersma, RCMP Manitoba West District Commander. “The public’s help in gathering information is key to our continued success in getting illegal drugs off the streets.”
As a result of Project Decibel these persons were arrested and face the following charges:
Brad Hagyard (48 yrs) of Neepawa, Man.
• 3 counts Trafficking cocaine
Bradley Minkus (27 yrs) of Neepawa, Man.
• 1 count Trafficking Cocaine
• 1 count Trafficking Oxycontin
Melissa Lund (28 yrs) of Neepawa, Man.
• 1 count Trafficking Cocaine
• 1 count Trafficking Oxycontin
Hagyard, Minkus, and Lund were remanded in custody to appear on May 17, 2012 in Brandon Provincial Court at which time they were released on strict conditions.
RCMP members involved in Project Decibel continue their investigation.
Portage la Prairie RCMP also completed a major drug operation in the West District last week, at which time Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division, stated,“Those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes, and communities. The RCMP remains deeply committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent.”
