RCMP Officers from the Manitoba East District have made numerous arrests and laid over 97 charges as part of a 12 week investigation known as Project DEDUCT.
Project DEDUCT was initiated in September, 2012, and focused on a crime reduction strategy to remove firearms from drug traffickers in the City of Selkirk, the RM of St. Andrews and the RM of St. Clements.
This investigation was initiated by the Selkirk RCMP General Investigation Section, Winnipeg RCMP Criminal Intelligence Unit, Winnipeg RCMP Major Crimes Unit and was supported by the RCMP East District.
Over 100 Officers from different units were involved in this investigation. RCMP also had assistance from Manitoba Justice, Public Safety Investigations(PSI). PSI members conducted parallel investigations under the Safer Community and Neighborhoods Act.
Six search warrants were executed and resulted in the seizure of numerous weapons and firearms. In addition to the firearms and prohibited weapons, a significant amount of street drugs including cocaine, marijuana, crack cocaine, oxycontin and drug paraphernalia were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs seized are in excess of $100,000. A variety of ammunition, multiple electronic devices, a stolen handgun, vehicle and snowmobile were recovered as well.
“By removing those destructive tools from those that have chosen a drug lifestyle, we make our communities safer” said Inspector Mark LeMaistre, Officer in charge of the Selkirk area. “We encourage anyone with information regarding illegal activities in relation to firearms and drugs to contact their local police or Manitoba Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.”
