Winnipeg Police culminated a several months-long investigation into an illegal drug distribution operation in the city.
On April 16, 2020, officers from the Guns and Gangs Unit executed a Controlled Drugs and Substance Act (CDSA) search warrant. Police raided apartments in the 2200 block of Pembina Highway as well as in the South Pointe neighbourhood.
On the same date, officers stopped a vehicle on St. Marys Road with two male suspects associated with the apartments that had been searched. Both suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
The search of the Pembina Highway apartment uncovered the following items:
- 9 kilograms of methamphetamine (ESV $1,800,000)
- 4 kilograms of cocaine (ESV $400,000)
- 326 grams of ecstasy (ESV $3,500)
- 0.5 kilograms of benzocaine (cutting agent), (ESV $2,500)
- $5,895 in Canadian currency
- Ballistic vest
- Money counter
James Daniel Perlett, 43 and Biniam Mengistu Fitur, 40 have both been charged for their alleged involvement with:
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking Ecstasy
- Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
- Possess Body Armour without Permit
Both men were detained in custody.
© News4.ca 2020
