Winnipeg police have arrested two men following an investigation into drug trafficking near wildfire evacuation centres.
On July 6, officers acted on community tips that drug activity was taking place in the 1700 block of Wellington Avenue. Police observed multiple suspected drug transactions involving a passenger vehicle, which was later stopped on Sargent Avenue around 9:25 p.m.
Officers arrested the driver, 18-year-old Farhan Hassan Arab, and seized $820 in cash, three grams of cocaine, and a cell phone suspected to be used as a drug line. Arab faces charges of trafficking cocaine, possessing proceeds of crime under $5,000, and breaching a previous Undertaking. He remains in custody.
Passenger Caue Ramos Martins, 21, was also charged with drug trafficking and released on an Undertaking.
Police say they are increasing support and patrols at evacuation sites to ensure the safety of northern Manitoba evacuees currently displaced in Winnipeg.
