A Winnipeg police vehicle is photographed at a scene in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
Winnipeg police say two large drug trafficking operations have been dismantled following lengthy investigations that led to multiple arrests and drug seizures.
Police carried out Project Khallas between May and October 2024, targeting a heroin and methamphetamine distribution ring allegedly led by 53-year-old Neelam Grewal. Police executed search warrants at several Winnipeg and West St. Paul homes, seizing 105 grams of heroin, 22 grams of meth, cash, phones, and packaging materials. Grewal and six others were charged with trafficking-related offences.
A year later, investigators uncovered a new network operating in the city, dubbed Project Black Dragon, which police say had taken over the dismantled Khallas operation. The four-month probe led to raids at homes on Saphire Place and Drimes Place, along with five vehicles. Police seized more than 800 grams of heroin/meth mixture known as “Chitta,” valued at over $168,000, along with 12 firearms.
Jagwinder Singh Brar, 45, identified as the head of the group, was taken into custody alongside five others who now face trafficking charges.
“The Winnipeg Police Service will continue to enforce laws and work collaboratively with other agencies and community members to disrupt these drug trafficking organizations that target vulnerable populations,” police said in a release.
