Winnipeg Police take action following reports of dealers targeting northern evacuees

WINNIPEG – NATIONAL CRIME REPORT: Content warning: This article contains information related to violence and trauma. Please consider your well-being before continuing.

Two men are facing drug-related charges after Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers arrested them near temporary housing areas designated for evacuees from Northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

On the evening of July 6, 2025, officers with the West District Community Support Unit responded to community reports alleging that drug dealers were targeting vulnerable evacuees staying in hotels and temporary residences in the 1700 block of Wellington Avenue.

Surveillance Leads to Arrests

Following the tips, officers conducted surveillance on the area and observed suspected drug transactions taking place involving individuals inside a passenger vehicle.

At approximately 9:25 p.m., police stopped the vehicle near the 1700 block of Sargent Avenue. Both the driver and a passenger were arrested without incident. A search of the vehicle yielded:

• 3 grams of cocaine

• $820 in cash

• A drug trafficking cell phone (“drug line”)

Suspects Identified and Charged

The suspects have been identified as:

• Farhan Hassan ARAB, 18

  • Charged with:

    • Trafficking in Cocaine

    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000

    • Breach of Undertaking

  • Status: Remains in police custody

• Caue Ramos MARTINS, 21

  • Charged with:

    • Trafficking in Cocaine

    • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000

  • Status: Released on an Undertaking

The arrests are part of a growing effort to protect vulnerable populations—particularly evacuees who have been displaced from wildfire-threatened northern communities.

Police Message to Evacuees: “You Are Not Alone”

In a statement, the Winnipeg Police Service acknowledged the stress and disruption faced by evacuees forced from their homes due to ongoing wildfire threats in Northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“Being forced to leave your home is incredibly difficult. Being relocated hundreds of kilometres away under such stressful conditions makes it even harder. We want evacuees to know: you are not alone,” a spokesperson said.

Police liaison teams are visiting evacuation centres to provide support, build trust, and maintain safety. WPS is also working closely with community partners, NGOs, and service providers to maintain safe, supportive environments for evacuees across the city.

Additional officers and dedicated resources are in place to respond to any threats near evacuation sites and ensure evacuees feel secure during their stay in Winnipeg.

🚨 Important Numbers for Evacuees in Winnipeg

• Emergency (Crime in Progress or Immediate Danger): 📞 911

• Non-Emergencies (Suspicious Activity, Property Crime): 📞 204-986-6222

• Online Reporting Available: winnipeg.ca/police

If you’re staying in a hotel or temporary residence, know your exact location when calling for help.