The Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force (MIOCTF), along with over 300 police officers, made numerous arrests and conducted searches as part of a long-term investigation known as Project DIVIDE.
Participating in this mass take-down were law enforcement from Manitoba including the Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP, Brandon Police Service and Ste. Anne Police Service as well as police officers from various police agencies in British Columbia.
Project DIVIDE was initiated in November 2008 and focused on high level members of organized crime and drug trafficking cells operating in the Provinces of Manitoba and British Columbia. The investigation also focused on the criminal activities of the Zig Zag Crew and their association to the Manitoba Chapter of the Hells Angels.
Numerous search and arrest warrants have been executed and 31 people from Manitoba and British Columbia have been charged with a variety of offences associated to drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, proceeds of crime, money laundering, conspiracy to obstruct justice and criminal organization related offences. Those charged include members and associates of the Zig Zag Crew and Manitoba Hells Angels.
During the investigation, police made several drug seizures including: 165 ounces of cocaine, 12 ounces of methamphetamine, 12,000 tablets of ecstasy, one ounce of heroin and seven pounds of marihuana. Arrest warrants were issued for 34 individuals and search warrants were executed at 23 locations across Manitoba, including the Manitoba Hells Angels Clubhouse in Winnipeg. Search Warrants were also executed at one residence in BC.
During the mass take-down police seized: money, a quantity of cocaine and marihuana, Hells Angel and Zig Zag Crew related documents/property and other offence related property.
All persons arrested will be appearing in court in Winnipeg on December 3, 2009.
Warrants for arrest remain in effect for 8 individuals.
The Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force continues to investigate. Additional arrests and charges are contemplated pending further investigation.
Sgt Line Karpish
Media Relations Officer
RCMP D Division (Manitoba)
Tel: (204) 983-8497
