In January 2025, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Guns & Gangs Unit began an investigation regarding drug trafficking in the West Alexander neighbourhood.
During this investigation, a new form of fentanyl came to light. The fentanyl products are pressed into unique shapes that look similar to cut-out cookies, colourful candles, soaps or confections.
The investigation continued, however, a precautionary media release was issued on February 1, 2025 to alert the public.
Images of actual items seized by WPS:
During this investigation, approximately $225,000 worth of illicit drugs and approximately $53,000 in Canadian cash were seized. Four people were arrested and one remains outstanding with an arrest warrant.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., an adult male was arrested as part of this drug investigation during a traffic stop at Logan Avenue and Gunnell Street. He was in possession of:
- Approximately 561 grams of Fentanyl (Estimated Street Value = $84,150)
- Approximately $6020 Canadian currency
- A cell phone and scale
David Cameron GRAY, 51, of Winnipeg was charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Possession of Firearm, Restricted/Prohibited Weapon, Firearm Part or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x 3
He was detained in custody.
Subsequently the Guns & Gangs Unit, with the assistance of the Tactical Support Team (TST), executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue and three females were taken into custody.
As a result of this search warrant the following items were seized:
- Approximately 10 ounces of Fentanyl (Estimated Street Value = $15,000)
- Approximately 10 grams of Fentanyl (Estimated Street Value = $2,250)
- Approximately 15 Fentanyl patches (Estimated Street Value = $3,000)
- 15 rounds shotgun ammunition
- .22 calibre ammunition, including a loaded magazine
- $1,625 in Canadian currency
Amy Jose Lynn GRAY, 21, and Destiny Dawn GRAY, 37, of Winnipeg, were charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Both were detained in custody.
A 32-year-old female of Winnipeg, is facing a charge of Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.
She was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.
A second search warrant was executed at a residence in the 300 block of Atkins Street.
As a result of this search warrant, officers seized the following items:
- Approximately 1827 grams Methamphetamine (Estimated Street Value = $91,300)
- Approximately 223 grams Cocaine (Estimated Street Value = $22,300)
- Approximately 33 grams of Fentanyl (Estimated Street Value = $5,000)
- Assortment of opioid pills: T3, Alprazolam, and Hydromorphone (Estimated Street Value = $2,200)
- Approximately $45,000 Canadian currency
- Scales, cutting agent and packaging materials.
- Cell phones
The Guns & Gangs Unit has identified another individual involved in this investigation, and is actively looking for 44-year-old, Dennis Lawrence Russell SPENCE, who has an arrest warrant in relation to this incident.
***WANTED***
Dennis Lawrence Russell SPENCE
Anyone with information regarding SPENCE’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Guns & Gangs Unit at 204-986-8430 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org (reference WPS file # C25-36752)
If you come across similar items do not touch them and report to the police non-emergency line 204-986-6222. Call 911 if you are in medical crisis.
To reduce the risk of an opioid overdose, never use drugs alone and always carry naloxone.
Additional resources can be found at Street Connections, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba or Call or Text the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605