Search Warrants Executed at Three Residences in Ongoing Drug Trafficking Investigation

WINNIPEG – September 7, 2025 – The Winnipeg Police Service’s Guns & Gangs Unit has seized multiple loaded firearms, large quantities of cocaine, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and valuables during a major drug investigation in the Fort Richmond neighbourhood. The enforcement action included search warrants executed at three residences, leading to multiple arrests and serious criminal charges.

⚠️ Content advisory: This article includes details related to violence and trauma, which may be distressing for some readers.

Search Warrant Results – Fort Richmond and College Avenue

On September 5, officers executed three search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation targeting organized drug trafficking:

Location 1: Apartment (1–99 block of Bison Drive)

Arrested: Mark Peter PUJOL, 41
Items Seized:

• Three loaded handguns (including two Glock-style firearms)

• One prohibited .22 caliber rifle

• One modified magazine and various ammunition

• 3 kilograms of packaged cocaine (~$90,000 street value)

• Cutting agents and drug trafficking paraphernalia

• $150,000 in cash

• $200,000 in designer jewellery/clothing

• Two cell phones

Location 2: Second Apartment (1–99 block of Bison Drive)

Items Seized:

• 240g of packaged crack cocaine (~$19,200 street value)

• $45,000 in cash

• $17,000 in designer jewellery/clothing

• Drug trafficking materials

Location 3: Residential Suite (500 block of College Avenue)

Arrested: 37-year-old male
Items Seized:

• 32 individually packaged crack cocaine doses (~$640)

• $265 cash

• Cell phones and trafficking materials

Additionally, a 26-year-old woman was arrested separately in the 300 block of Balmoral Street and is facing charges tied to drug trafficking and proceeds of crime.

Charges and Legal Implications

Mark Peter PUJOL, 41, is facing 15 charges:

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order (x4)

  Maximum Penalty: 10 years per count if prosecuted by indictment

• Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm (x4)

  Mandatory Minimum: 3 years for a first offence; up to 10 years

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x4)

  Up to 5 years per count

• Possession of Prohibited Device Knowing Its Possession Is Unauthorized

  Up to 10 years in prison

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

  Maximum Penalty: Life imprisonment under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

• Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000

  Up to 10 years in prison

PUJOL has been detained in custody and is expected to appear in court. These charges reflect significant risk to public safety, particularly due to the presence of prohibited weapons and trafficking materials.

Other Arrests:

• 37-year-old man and 26-year-old woman are both facing charges related to:

  • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

  • Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
    They were released on undertakings, with conditions to appear in court at a later date.