By: Winnipeg Tribune Staff Writer
Winnipeg, May 1, 2024 - A sweeping investigation led by the Winnipeg Police Service’s Organized Crime Unit (WPS) has culminated in a massive takedown of a sophisticated drug trafficking network operating between Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia. Dubbed "Project Soft Landing," the operation began in May 2023, targeting the influx of illicit drugs and firearms trafficked from the Greater Toronto Area into Winnipeg.
On March 6, 2024, law enforcement agencies executed twenty-two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrants across the three provinces, seizing a staggering amount of drugs, weapons, and illicit proceeds. In Winnipeg alone, 12 warrants were executed, with additional searches carried out in Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Authorities reported the seizure of approximately 1.7 million Canadian dollars in cash, around 30 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $3 million, four handguns—including two 3D-printed firearms—a sub-machine gun with a suppressor, loaded magazines, ammunition, and a substantial quantity of cutting agents. Also seized were a hydraulic cocaine press, moulds, and twelve high-end vehicles, including a Rolls Royce valued at $450,000 and vehicles equipped with custom-made concealment compartments.
Approximately $4 million in proceeds of crime, including jewelry and merchandise, was also confiscated during the raids.
The investigation received critical support from various agencies and police services across Canada, contributing to its success. Among those aiding were the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada (FINTRAC), the Brandon Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and police services from Hamilton, Peel, Toronto, Halton, Vancouver, and Via Rail Canada Police.
As a result of the operation, numerous individuals were arrested, with charges laid against several, including Darcy Warmington and Kevon Warmington of Winnipeg, and others from across the involved provinces. The charges range from drug trafficking and possession of firearms to laundering the proceeds of crime.
The other individuals charged include:
Paige PRETEAU (27), of Winnipeg, MB
Elvis OYEWOLE (33), of Winnipeg, MB
Fiona LEWIS (62), of Winnipeg, MB
Cornelius HIBBERT (55) of Winnipeg, MB
Tovary SHARPE, (34), of Winnipeg, MB
Adrian CHESTON, (28), of Winnipeg, MB
Kerry-Ann THOMPSON, (32), of Winnipeg, MB
Iwona GLOGOWSKI, (31), of Vancouver, BC
Valentin KOKENY, (22), of Vancouver, BC
Andy LE, (35), of Hamilton, ON
Arber IMERI, (27), Burlington, ON
Tyrone REID, (37), of Toronto, ON
"This operation highlights the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions to combat organized crime effectively," stated a spokesperson from the WPS Organized Crime Unit. "Project Soft Landing has dealt a significant blow to organized crime, and we are committed to maintaining the safety and security of our communities."
The WPS has extended its gratitude to all participating law enforcement and government agencies for their invaluable assistance in this complex investigation, marking a major victory in the ongoing battle against organized drug trafficking in Canada.