Inter-provincial organized crime drug network dismantled

Organized Crime

Inter-provincial organized crime drug network dismantled

November 5, 2020

11 people are facing more than 56 criminal code offences after the Winnipeg Police Service with help from the Ontario Provincial Police took down an organized crime drug network.

Police say that the accused were involved in transporting multiple kilograms of cocaine from southern Ontario to Winnipeg through package delivery services.

The investigation began in early 2020 and concluded on October 21, when more than 100 officers executed nine warrants, five in Winnipeg and four in southern Ontario.

Officers seized a number of items during the investigation including:

Approximately $300,000 in Canadian Currency
4 Kilograms of Cocaine (Wholesale Value $340,000.00)
½ Kilogram of Fentanyl (Wholesale Value $60,000)
500 grams of Psilocybin (Wholesale Value $2000.00)
10 grams of Ketamine (Wholesale Value $1000.00)
Loaded Smith & Wesson .45 calibre handgun with five magazines, ammunition
Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver
Magazine and ammunition for a 9mm handgun.
Ballistic Body Armour
Digital Scales, Digital Money Counters, Drug Packaging Material, Cutting Agents, Vacuum Sealing Equipment, Safe, Documents and Records.
Numerous mobile communication devices

The accused are facing the following charges for their alleged involvement:

Melissa BARRION, 28, of Winnipeg
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, to wit: Cocaine
– Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
– Possess Proceeds of Crime
– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 2
– Store Firearm Contrary to Regulations
– Possess Firearm Obtained by Crime
– Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
– Possess body armour without a valid permit (The Body Armour and Fortified Vehicle Control Act)

Allen CHEUNG, 34, of Markham, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Cocaine)

Steven GRIFFITH, 28, of Winnipeg
– Unlawful Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distribution
– Unlawful Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling

Thanh Xuan MAI, 36, of Maple, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Cocaine)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)

Jordan NERY, 33, of Winnipeg
– Assault Cause Bodily Harm
– Utter Threats
– FTC Undertaking
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
– Possess Prohibited Weapon
– Fail to Comply Court Order x 2
– Fail to Comply Undertaking x 2

Julian NERY, 28, of Winnipeg
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine x 2)
– Possession of a Controlled Substance of the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

Hong Phong NGUYEN, 34, of North York, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Cocaine)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)

Chester ROULETTE, 25, of Winnipeg
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine x 3)
– Possess Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
– Possession of a Prohibited Ammunition
– Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Contrary to a Prohibition Order

Brandon SADIUA, 28, of Winnipeg
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine x 4)
– Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Crack Cocaine)
– Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
– Possess Proceeds of Crime
– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 2
– Store Firearm Contrary to Regulations
– Possess Firearm Obtained by Crime
– Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
– Possess body armour without a valid permit (The Body Armour and Fortified Vehicle Control Act)

Nyke THORPE, 40, of Winnipeg
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Cocaine)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)
– Trafficking in a Controlled Substance to wit: Cocaine
– Trafficking Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
– Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000
– Use a forged document: Driver’s License
– Mischief Under $5000

Trung Hieu TRAN, 33, of Vaughn, Ontario
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Cocaine)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000)
– Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence (Trafficking Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000