4 arrested, 1 wanted after Winnipeg police investigate fentanyl shaped like cookies, soaps
Four people have been arrested on drug trafficking charges, and an arrest warrant has been issued for another, after Winnipeg police began investigating fentanyl products pressed and packaged into colourful shapes similar to cut-out cookies, candles and soaps.
The Winnipeg Police Service said in a Saturday news release its guns and gangs unit began an investigation in January around drug trafficking in the West Alexander neighbourhood. The police service issued a warning earlier last month about the colourfully packaged opioids, pressed into shapes including flowers, hearts and honeycombs.
In addition to the four arrests, that investigation led to the seizure of roughly $225,000 worth of illicit drugs and about $53,000 in cash during a February traffic stop and searches at two residences, according to police.
On the morning of Feb. 20, police say they arrested a 51-year-old man during a traffic stop at Logan Avenue and Gunnell Street. He was found in possession of items including fentanyl with a street value of more than $84,000, a scale and more than $6,000 in cash, according to police.
He faces several charges, including two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
The guns and gangs unit and a tactical support team then searched an apartment building in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue, near Arlington Street, where they arrested three women, police said.
Police seized more than $20,000 worth of fentanyl there, along with cocaine, a shotgun, ammunition and cash, the release said.
Two women, ages 21 and 37, were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. A 32-year-old woman also faces a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Then, a search of a residence in the 300 block of Aikins Street, near Mountain Avenue, turned up more drugs, including more than $90,000 worth of methamphetamine, along with cellphones, scales and about $45,000 in cash, police said.
Police said they are now searching for Dennis Lawrence Russell Spence, 44, in connection with the drug trafficking investigation.
They’re asking anyone with information regarding Spence’s whereabouts to contact the guns and gangs unit at 204-986-8430, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 or online at winnipegcrimestoppers.org.
Police warn the public not to touch any items suspected of containing fentanyl, and ask that anyone finding such items call the police non-emergency line at 204-986-6222.
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