Firearms seized by Brandon police in 2017. (BPS / HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is allocating $2.3 million from Ottawa over two years to take guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.
The province says its Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy gives more resources to Manitoba Justice and police agencies to disrupt and suppress gun and gang activity in Manitoba.
The funding includes:
- $1.3 million to support the Winnipeg Police Service’s guns and gangs initiatives, which will focus on the identification, arrest and dismantling of gangs, criminal organizations or violent crime groups, especially those involved with illegal firearms and illicit drugs;
- more than $704,000 to develop a new database that will enhance the collection and dissemination of illicit firearm and gang intelligence, and improve intelligence sharing in Manitoba;
- $172,000 for specialized equipment for the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, and gang intelligence and awareness training for other police agencies outside of Winnipeg;
- more than $80,000 to support the expansion of community mobilization programs;
- $20,000 to support gang exiting efforts; and
- more than $12,000 to support specialized training for Crown attorneys for the prosecution of organized crime and firearms offences.
According to 2018 statistics, Winnipeg police arrested 411 people, seized more than $2.4 million worth of illicit drugs, more than $1 million in cash and 144 weapons including knives, firearms and explosives. Of the 411 people arrested, 161 of them were known gang members or associates. Year-to-date statistics for 2019 show Winnipeg is on par for similar results.
It’s the responsibility of all orders of government to keep communities safe. Today, in Manitoba we committed to continue supporting the province’s gun and gang suppression strategy through our own Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence. pic.twitter.com/W1V1OMamJv
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) April 26, 2019
— Staff
