Police arrest alleged leader of Winnipeg-based street gang in drugs and guns investigation

Police in Manitoba say they have made arrests and seized weapons as part of an alleged “sophisticated criminal network involved in trafficking cocaine and firearms in Manitoba.” Winnipeg Police Service Insp. Josh Ewatski, of the organized crime division, announced five arrests and 53 charges at a news conference Thursday as the result of a targetted  investigation. “In November of 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Drug Enforcement Unit and Firearms Investigative Enforcement Unit in partnership with the RCMP-Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team launched Project Quarry,” Ewatski said. Five people were arrested and charged in March after the team searched homes and vehicles at different addresses in Winnipeg, Stonewall and the Rural Municipality of Rockwood, he added. He noted Project Quarry was continuing. Police show off some of the weapons seized as part of “Project Quarry” in Manitoba. Photo: APTN News The police seized 35 firearms, which were displayed for reporters, ammunition and “illegal accessories such as silencers and auto searers, which are devices that can convert a semi-automatic handgun to fire fully automatic,” Ewatski said. “Some of the guns were reported stolen and others were (allegedly) smuggled into Canada from the (United States) U.S.” They also seized $60,000 worth of cocaine – roughly a kilogram – and (an undisclosed amount of) hydromorphone – an opioid drug – along with $1,500 in cash and alleged drug packaging materials. Ewatski said the Canada Border Services Agency, Manitoba Justice and Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre all played a role in the investigation. He said Brian Michael Gladue, 36 of Stonewall, Man.; Cory Hopcraft, 47, also of Stonewall; Chad Line, 48 of Rockwood; Crystal Leona Strojec, 46, of Winnipeg; and Michelle Precious Grozelle, 23, of Winnipeg were the five people arrested and charged. Street gang He singled out Gladue as the alleged leader of a Winnipeg street gang that he declined to identify. “I don’t want to give the name of the gang and give them any credit,” Ewatski added. He said the gang’s “activities” supported the alleged trafficking network, which in turn was allegedly “stockpiling an arsenal that that gang and other people involved in criminal activities could have access to.” Ewatski said the number of firearms was “concerning” and noted some of the weapons would be sold online through “social media networks.” None of the allegations have been tested in court. Ewatski said it was important to get the guns off the street. “We don’t want these firearms on the streets and in the hands of people who are going to use them not only against their rivals,” Ewatski said in response to reporters’ questions, “but what we always see happens is somebody who’s innocent gets caught in a crossfire. “This is a huge, huge public safety issue that someone is able to (allegedly) stockpile this many firearms, “he added. “It’s a relief to everyone to know that we have these ones off the street, however we know there are many more out there.” Continue Reading