In a significant blow to the illicit trade of stolen property and drug trafficking in Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Police Service Property Crime Unit (PCU), with the assistance of the Evidence Control Unit, has made a major breakthrough. An investigation, which began in June 2024, has unveiled a complex network where criminals used stolen goods to fund or support their drug-related activities.
On June 26, 2024, search warrants were executed at a residence in the 800 block of William Avenue and a storage facility within the city. The operation led to the seizure of stolen property estimated at over $544,000, including over 90 high-end bicycles, a John Deere riding mower, 18 high-end watches, a large assortment of jewellery, 1207 cell phones, 83 laptops, 225 tablets, camera lighting, drone equipment, and various other items.
In addition to the stolen property, officers also seized two long guns with sawn-off barrels, various pellet/airsoft guns, and small amounts of multiple types of ammunition.
The operation also uncovered a significant amount of illicit drugs, estimated at over $64,000. This included 711 grams of Methamphetamine, 173 grams of Fentanyl, and 69.8 grams of Cocaine.
John Paul Schooley, 53, was arrested in connection with the investigation. He has been charged for his alleged involvement with multiple offenses, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, trafficking in stolen property, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, and possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Schooley, who also had three outstanding warrants, has been detained in custody.
© 2024 News4.ca
