Police seize almost $400,000 worth of Fentanyl

Authorities say a large amount of Fentanyl, weapons, and a "how-to" manual about trafficking drugs and evading the police was found during a raid.

The Winnipeg Police Service says that since the spring, there has been an increase in overdoses. They believe this is due in part to a shortage of many street drugs and increased use of Fentanyl.

To help combat the increase, the service's Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began investigating a high-level drug trafficking operation this spring.

DEU, along with the Tactical Support Team, the Guns and Gangs Unit and Central Division Community Support Unit conducted investigations, resulting in two search warrants.

The warrants, one in the 500 block of St-Mary Avenue and one in the 800 block of Waverley Street, were conducted on June 22.

During the searched, police seized:

1641 x ¼ gram Fentanyl pebbles
165 x 1 gram Fentanyl pebbles
170 grams Fentanyl pebbles

In total, police seized 750 grams of Fentanyl, an estimated street value of $375,000.

Inspector Max Waddell says the seizure has potentially saved the lives of thousands.

"There was the potential to infect up to 7500 individuals in the City of Winnipeg."

Authorities also seized:

$200,000.00 in Canadian currency
Packaging material, contaminated scales, cell phones and four safes
Winchester Pump-action 12 Guage Shotgun
(2) Simonov SKS Semi-Automatic Rifles
(2) Cooey 84 Single Shot Shotguns
GSG Semi-Automatic Rifle
Mossberg Semi-Automatic Rifle
2 Canisters of Bear Spray
$10,000 worth of gold jewellery

Along with these items, police say they discovered something they typically do not find: the criminal organization's operational manual.

Police say the 21-page “how-to” instruction manual was a very detailed report on the inner workings of the operation, something they rarely see. It detailed the "A-Z" for the business, including how to traffic and how to avoid police. Waddell notes the later portion clearly did not work.

Police are now charging:

Keaton Brayden Ellis, a 26-year-old male, with:

- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Branden Anthony Ellis, a 27-year-old male, with:

- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Jonathan Michael Pace, a 29-year-old male, with:

- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

The trio is released on Appearance Notices.

Police say any Illicit drug that is contaminated with Fentanyl can be potentially fatal and are asking those who suffer from addiction issues to reach out to medical professionals for assistance.

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba contact information:

Manitoba Addictions Helpline (toll-free): 1.855.662.6605
email: MBAddictionHelp@afm.mb.ca