Winnipeg Police Bust Major Cocaine Trafficking Network

In a major breakthrough, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Guns & Gangs Unit has dismantled a criminal network involved in the cocaine trade within Winnipeg and northern First Nations communities. The investigation, which began in August 2024, culminated in a traffic stop on September 19 at St. Mary’s Road and Hull Avenue.

During the operation, three men were arrested and the following goods were seized:

• Approximately 834 individually wrapped grams of cocaine
• 66 grams of packaged cocaine in various sizes
• $1965 in Canadian currency
• Two vehicles
• Packaging and transport materials for medicines
• A stolen identification document
• Luggage
• Flight tickets

The people accused of drug trafficking and in custody are:

• Ahmed Abdi Bashir, 26, from Winnipeg
• Bego Mahmutovic, 24, from Vita, Manitoba
• Reid David Asals, 27, from Penticton, British Columbia

The seized illegal drugs have an estimated street value of approximately $70,000 within northern First Nations communities. Authorities believe this cocaine trafficking network operates interprovincially, with the seized drugs destined to be flown to northern First Nations communities.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Guns & Gangs Unit at 204-986-8430 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

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