Investigation leads to dismantling of drug trafficking network

Organized Crime

Investigation leads to dismantling of drug trafficking network

February 24, 2021

Winnipeg Police conclude investigation into inter-provincial cocaine trafficking with the seizure of more than $11.5 million in cash, proceeds of crime and assets.

Dubbed ‘Project Gold Dust’ the investigation began in May 2020, and involved the cooperation of several other police agencies including the E Division RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit, Brandon Police Service, Vancouver Police Department and Manitoba RCMP.

As the investigation unfolded officers learned that a local group of drug-traffickers operated a drug network that they named “The Company”. This network imported multiple kilograms of cocaine into Winnipeg from British Columbia and then distributed it using a network of operators and couriers. The Company would then ship large quants of cash back to BC to pay for the drugs.

On February 10, 2021, 144 officers in Winnipeg and British Columbia executed 26 search warrants on buildings and vehicles. 12 people were arrested in Winnipeg along with one person in Vancouver, BC and one person in Surrey, BC. Two of the males and one female arrested in Winnipeg have not been charged at this time. All of the other accused are facing multiple offences.

Those charged for their alleged involvement include:

Thuy Bich LY, 41 years of Winnipeg
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Ecstasy
Production of a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 x 2

Rogelio Saavedra DELACRUZ, 32 years of Winnipeg
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 x 2

Sherwin DIMAAPI, 33 years of Winnipeg
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000 x 2

Jasmine Rose ESPIRITU, 24 years of Winnipeg
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

Joshua David ESPIRITU, 25 years of Winnipeg
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Wilfred GEREIN, 63 years of Surrey, BC
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine x 2
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 x 2

Jamie GRAIDA-LUMARQUE, 26 years of Winnipeg
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Ecstasy
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, contrary to section 10(2) of the Cannabis Act

Johnny LAM, 40 years of Vancouver, BC
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000

Louie LORENZO, 26 years of Winnipeg
Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Khanh NGUYEN, 39 years of Winnipeg
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Trafficking Cocaine
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence Possess Proceeds Obtained by Crime
Trafficking in a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine x 2
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Ecstasy
Production of a Controlled Substance Cocaine
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 x 3

Steven Minh TRAN, 35 years of Winnipeg
Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000 x 2
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling, contrary to section 10(2) of the Cannabis Act

During the execution of search warrants police seized a number of items in Winnipeg and British Columbia including:

17 Kilograms of Cocaine Wholesale Value $1.4 Million (Street Value $1.7 Million)
3 Ounces of Ecstasy Street Value of $3000
21 lbs Cannabis Street Value of $63,000
$2,000,000 Cash
$107,000 Bit-Coin
$270,000 – Other Proceeds of Crime (Rolex watches/jewelry with appraisal certificates)
110 kilograms of cutting agent Street Value $22,000
Numerous digital scales
Vacuum sealing equipment
Drug packaging material
Drug production equipment and respirators
41 Cell Phones
21 Computers
4 Firearms:
–   Walther P99 9mm Semi-Automatic Handgun
–   Sig Sauer P226R Legion Handgun
–   Daniel Defense M4 Carbine Automatic Rifle
–   Savage Model 110 .308 Caliber Rifle
–   Various ammunition and firearm components

Vehicles:
2019 Honda Pilot valued at $50,000
2018 Jeep Wrangler valued at $45,000
2016 Honda Accord valued at $25,000
2003 Acura RSX valued at $4000
2016 Honda Civic valued at $21,000
2013 Honda Civic valued at $13,000
2004 Acura TSX valued at $5000
2007 Cadillac Escalade valued at $11,000
2015 Honda CRV valued at $21,000
2010 Toyota Tundra valued at $16,000
2007 Honda CRV valued at $9,000
2012 Kia Sorrento valued at $10,000

Total value of vehicles seized in Manitoba – $230,000

Properties/Assets Filed Statements of Claim
3 Residential Properties valued at $1,046,000
2 Residential Duplex Properties valued at $798,000
1 Multi Unit Condominium Property valued at $1,700,000
3 Vacant plots of Commercial Property valued at $652,000
1 Commercial property valued at $448,000

Total Residential/Commercial Properties seized in Manitoba – $4,644,000

British Columbia

$700,000 Cash
23 grams cocaine valued at $2300

Vehicles:
2017 Lexus NX200T valued at $39,000
2011 Toyota Tundra valued at $20,000
2014 Acura MDX valued at $24,000
2007 Acura MDX valued at $7500

Total value of vehicles seized in BC – $90,500

2 Residential properties valued at $3,539,000

The total value of the items seized is $11,580,500