In November 2015, the Oakbank RCMP Detachment commenced a lengthy investigation into the trafficking of cocaine and illegal counterfeit pills involving several individuals within the Oakbank community. This project, targeting the drug trade in Oakbank, was identified as Project DECAL.
During the course of the investigation, several officers from different specialised sections and units were involved, including Manitoba Justice Safer Homes and Neighbours Unit.
The information and intelligence gathered during Project DECAL led to the execution of a search warrant at an Oakbank residence on May 4, 2016. An undisclosed quantity of drugs, and items used in the drug trafficking trade were located.
In total, eight individuals are facing several drug trafficking charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
On May 4, 2016, Tyler John Kevin Augustine, a 25-year-old male from Oakbank, was arrested in Winnipeg. He is facing charges of trafficking a controlled substance and production of a controlled substance. He remains in custody.
Also arrested and facing charges for trafficking a controlled substance are 19-year-old Dylan Robert Hutchinson of the RM of Springfield, 20-year-old Kelson Ryan Hopgood of Oakbank and 21-year-old Cole Alexander Paul Zammit of the RM of Springfield.
54-year-old Paul Joseph Caissie, 42-year-old Allan Peter Tanchak, 27-year-old Daniel Konrad Searcy and 29-year-old Gabriel LaBossiere, all from Oakbank, are also facing charges of trafficking a controlled substance and are currently wanted on outstanding warrants.
“Project DECAL was initiated to specifically target individuals trafficking drugs and negatively impacting the lives of our local residents,” said Sgt. Bert Paquet of the Manitoba RCMP. “The arrests and subsequent charges laid in this case serve as proof of our commitment to make Manitoba a safer place to live.”
The Manitoba RCMP also want to remind all residents that counterfeit OxyContin pills containing Fentanyl have been linked to several deaths across Canada. Taking medication that is not prescribed can be dangerous, cause unpredictable side effects and can lead to an overdose and death.
