Winnipeg police have laid multiple charges following a weeks‑long investigation into suspected drug trafficking and related criminal activity in the St. Matthews neighbourhood.
Since March 2026, the West District Community Support Unit has been responding to ongoing complaints from residents regarding suspected drug activity and associated criminal behaviour. Investigators identified a residence in the 900 block of Dominion Street believed to be connected to the activity, along with additional incidents involving a recent break and enter and the reported use of a firearm.
On June 7 and June 8, 2026, a residence in the 400 block of Waverley Street was broken into. A unique box of coins and jewellery box valued at approximately $40,000 was stolen, along with a chequebook.
Between June 21 and June 22, 2026, a 45-year-old man reported that a firearm was used to prevent him from leaving a residence in the 900 block of Dominion Street.
On June 22, 2026, at 5:54 p.m., West District Community Support investigators, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team (TST), K9, and Drone Unit executed a search warrant at the residence in the 900 block of Dominion Street.
At the onset of the search warrant, officers observed three individuals outside the residence who appeared to be experiencing medical distress consistent with drug overdoses. Officers intervened and provided immediate assistance until paramedics arrived.
As a result of the execution of the warrant, the following items were seized by police, including property that was stolen from the residential break-in in the 400 block of Waverley Street:
Weapons and Related Items:
- Sawed-off 12-gauge Ithaca Featherlight shotgun loaded with two (2) rounds
- HK .177 calibre CO₂-powered handgun
- PFM 16 CO₂-powered handgun
- Glock 19 CO₂-powered handgun
- Winchester .30‑06 ammunition x16
- .22 calibre ammunition x33
- One round of 7.62 calibre ammunition
- 12-gauge shotgun rounds x23
- Assorted ammunition (dozens of mixed calibres)
- A metal bar, machete, sword, Buck knife x2, and a pair of nunchucks
Drugs and Drug Trafficking Paraphernalia:
- Approximately 100 grams of suspected fentanyl (Estimated Street Value $15,000)
- Approximately 4 grams of suspected methamphetamine (Estimated Street Value $200)
- Drug trafficking paraphernalia, including contaminated containers and digital scale
Property and Proceeds of Crime (Estimated Value approximately $15,000 CAD):
- Electric bicycles x4 (e-bikes)
- Mountain bike x8
- Various jewellery items
- Various electronic devices
- Multiple Autel diagnostic tablets
- Point-of-sale (POS) payment terminal
- Unstamped carton of cigarettes x2
Tyson Jay GAMBLIN (44) was arrested during the search warrant. He provided a false name, and investigators located a small amount of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl on him during the arrest. He has been charged with the following offences:
- Pointing a Firearm
- Forcible Confinement
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x2
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Weapon x 10
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
- Public Mischief
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order x3
- Warrant – Fail to Comply with Condition of Release Order
- Warrant – Theft Over $5000
GAMBLIN was detained in custody.
Tracey Krystyn FONTAINE (36) was arrested during the search warrant and has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon x 10
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
FONTAINE was detained in custody.
John William ZASTRE (47) was arrested during the search warrant and has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Weapon x10
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Undertaking x3
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession of Scheduled Substance – Cocaine
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Warrant – Break and Enter & Commit – Place
- Warrant – Possession of a Weapon
ZASTRE was detained in custody.
Cheryl Lynn JEWELS (30) was arrested during the search warrant and has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession of a Weapon x 12
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation Order
- Excise Act 32(1) Unlawful Possession of Sale of Tobacco Products
JEWELS was detained in custody.
Jasmine Raphael REILLY (36) was arrested during the search warrant, at which time a small amount of cocaine was seized. He has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession of Scheduled Substance – Cocaine
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of a Weapon x 10
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- CC 145(4)(a) Fail to Comply with Condition of Undertaking x2
REILLY was detained in custody.
Robert Edward JOHNSON (45) was arrested during the search warrant. Investigators seized a small amount of Methamphetamine and $50 CDN during his arrest. He has been charged with:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon x12
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Methamphetamine
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Ammunition, Prohibited Weapon or Device
- Fail to Comply with Condition of Undertaking x3
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Excise Act 32(1) Unlawful Possession of Sale of Tobacco Products
JOHNSON was detained in custody.
In addition, a 25, 31, and 38-year-old woman, along with a 42-year-old man, are facing various firearm, drug, and breach-related charges and were released on an Undertaking.
The Winnipeg Police Service acknowledges the impact that ongoing criminal activity can have on neighborhoods and thanks residents for their cooperation and willingness to report concerns. Community safety remains a priority, and officers continue to work with residents to address and prevent crime.
Anyone with information related to drug trafficking or other criminal activity in their community is encouraged to contact the Winnipeg Police Service at 204-986-6222, or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.