Following a seven month investigation, search warrants have been executed and charges ultimately brought against three individuals. The investigation was led by the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC). The Manitoba Integrated Organized Crime Task Force (MIOCTF) – comprised of the Winnipeg Police Service, RCMP and Brandon Police Service – also assisted with the operational phase of the project. The investigation targeted drug and weapons trafficking in the City of Winnipeg.
On March 12, 2015, police officers from both the WPS and RCMP made arrests as part of the Project DARE investigation. Three people have been charged with a variety of offences associated to drug trafficking, proceeds of crime and weapons.
Project DARE was initiated in September 2014 and focused on an alleged drug trafficking group operating in Winnipeg. During the investigation, police made numerous drug seizures resulting in approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 27 ounces of methamphetamine, more than 900 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy), and two pounds of cannabis marihuana. In addition, approximately $100,000 in cash, three handguns, one assault rifle, two long barrelled guns, two prohibited devices, and associated ammunition were seized during the investigation.
Police also seized a 2006 Lexus IS 350 under Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.
This long-term covert investigation involved the use of a variety of investigative techniques.
RCMP report that on March 12, 2015, investigators executed two residential search warrants in Winnipeg, one downtown and one in the North Kildonan area. Police also attended Stony Mountain Institution to make one of the arrests. Arrest warrants were executed for 23-year-old Zack Rorie Zarichney and 23-year-old Chris Steven Karalash. An arrest warrant was also issued for 32-year-old Suong Gueck Khau who still remains at large.
RCMP would like to remind the public that those who traffic in illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities. The police forces in Manitoba remain fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent. Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked to call their local police agency or RCMP detachment.
