In May of 2021, the Winnipeg Police Service Organized Crime Unit began the initial stages of an investigation into firearms trafficking. The project, dubbed Operation Phoenix, progressed throughout the summer of 2021, where investigators learned that large amounts of drugs were also being trafficked by the network. This led to the WPS partnering with The Edmonton Police Service Gang Enforcement Unit, the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the RCMP Organized Crime Unit. Additional assistance was provided by ATF, Canada Border Services and the Correctional Services of Canada, and FINTRAC.
Twelve people were arrested at various locations, including Winnipeg, Edmonton, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Two of those arrested face charges related to smuggling large quantities of drugs and contraband into Stony Mountain Penitentiary and Collins Bay Institution through the use of drones. The drugs trafficked included: methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marihuana and contraband. The institutional value of the drugs and contraband seized at Stony Mountain Penitentiary is estimated at $700,000.
In total, sixteen search warrants were executed: four in Winnipeg, three in Anola, Manitoba, two at Stony Mountain Penitentiary, four in Alberta, and three in the GTA. Seizures included:
- Roughly 40 firearms
- 30 kilograms of methamphetamine ($2.6 million ESV)
- 6 kilograms of fentanyl ($2.75 million ESV)
- 15 kilograms of cocaine ($1.6 million ESV)
- 100 kilograms of marihuana ($500,000 ESV)
- smaller amounts of heroin, ecstasy, and psilocybin ($330,000 ESV)
- 1 kg of cutting agent ($1,200)
- 11 vehicles, 4 snowmobiles, 3 trailers, Bobcat ($381,000)
Numerous bank accounts were also frozen.
Of the twelve suspects arrested, six have been charged and can be named at this time. Arrests were made in the first two weeks of December, 2021.
Matthew Cody KNYSH, 30, of Winnipeg, has been charged with 20 separate firearms offences.
Mitchell Steven Lee BRUNEAU, 40, of Anola, MB., has been charged with six firearms-related offences and four counts of conspiracy.
Jason Dean BIGL, 20, of Winnipeg, has been charged with possessing and trafficking in firearms and four counts of conspiracy.
Stacy DeSANTIS, 25, has been charged with trafficking (controlled substance) and conspiracy.
Mario GROSSO, 36, of Heritage Pointe, AB., has been charged with trafficking (controlled substance), and conspiracy.
Joseph Louis SAVINO, 35, of Winnipeg, has been charged with six firearms-related offences and trafficking (controlled substance).
All of the accused have been detained in custody.