A Well Deserved Thank You

I want to thank and acknowledge the great team effort of community members and police officers in shutting down a major drug trafficking ring in our city. They have shown us that we can do this together and make our communities a safer place for everyone. I'm so proud of our community. A special shoutout and special thanks to the two women who lead the team to success. The very first female Sergeant responsible for the Drug Enforcement Unit in Winnipeg Police history and the Indigenous female Staff Sergeant who led the investigation, great work ladies! Here is what this team effort accomplished. In October 2020, the Winnipeg Police Drug Enforcement Unit commenced an investigation dubbed Project Matriarch. The project led to the identification and collection of evidence against a drug trafficking organization involved in the production and trafficking of crack cocaine in the Point Douglas neighbourhood. The investigation also led to charges involving proceeds of crime and money laundering offences. Investigators seized cocaine, crack cocaine, Canadian currency, a loaded firearm and ammunition, jewelry, a 2016 BMW X5, and a Skid Steer. Criminal Property Forfeiture filed a statement of claims for 10 residential properties and numerous bank accounts. The total value of seized property and evidence is approximately $2,343,497. Twenty-six people within this organization were arrested, including the original target: Sandra Guiboche. Over 100 criminal charges were laid in this investigation, including; Drug Trafficking, Proceeds of Crime, Conspiracy and Money Laundering offences.