Project Deteriorate began in November 2018 and was undertaken by officers of the Selkirk General Investigation Section. Police discovered a drug trafficking network being operated from within Selkirk and the City of Winnipeg which was believed to be supplying drugs to the various communities throughout the Interlake region.
On June 19, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Winnipeg. As a result of this investigation, officers seized over two kilograms of methamphetamine, a quarter of an ounce of fentanyl/heroin, $25,000 in Canadian currency, a Chevrolet Trax vehicle and a conducted energy weapon.
"The impact of this investigation is far reaching and has affected the drug supply chain to various Interlake communities," said Inspector Allan Hofland, Officer in Charge of Selkirk RCMP. "Our communities are seeing the negative impacts that stem from the drug trade such as property crime, assaults, robberies, and home invasions."
The following subjects were arrested and remanded into custody on the following charges:
Larry Albert Pottinger, 34-year-old male from Winnipeg:
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Trafficking heroin
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 x 2
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 x 3
Connie Amanda Barker, 36-year-old female from Selkirk:
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 x 5
- Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
Lise Chantalle Malenfant, 53-year-old female from Selkirk:
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 x 7
The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs to their fullest extent as those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes and communities.
The investigation is continuing as we anticipate making further arrests and laying additional charges.