Winnipeg police have seized approximately $225,000 worth of illicit drugs, issued a public warning about a new form of fentanyl being trafficked in the city, and are searching for a wanted suspect connected to the investigation.
Four people have also been arrested in connection to the case.
Fentanyl disguised as household items
During the investigation, officers identified fentanyl pressed into unique shapes, resembling common household items.
The WPS said in a release on Saturday morning that the drugs, disguised as everyday items such as cookies, candles, and soap. They were discovered during a Guns & Gangs Unit investigation in the West Alexander neighbourhood.
Due to the serious public safety risk, Winnipeg police issued a precautionary alert on February 1, warning residents not to handle any suspicious substances and to contact authorities immediately. Since then the case has continued to evolve.
Major drug bust and arrests
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers arrested 51-year-old David Cameron Gray during a traffic stop at Logan Avenue and Gunnell Street. Police seized approximately 561 grams of fentanyl (valued at $84,150), $6,020 in cash, a cell phone, and a scale.
Gray faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance for trafficking and possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order. He remains in custody.
Later, a search warrant was executed at an apartment complex in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue, leading to the arrests of Amy Jose Lynn Gray, 21, and Destiny Dawn Gray, 37. Officers seized:
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10 ounces of fentanyl ($15,000 value)
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10 grams of fentanyl ($2,250 value)
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15 fentanyl patches ($3,000 value)
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Shotgun and .22 calibre ammunition
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$1,625 in Canadian currency
Both women have been charged with possession of a controlled substance for trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. A 32-year-old female was also charged but was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.
A second search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Atkins Street resulted in the seizure of:
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1,827 grams of methamphetamine ($91,300 value)
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223 grams of cocaine ($22,300 value)
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33 grams of fentanyl ($5,000 value)
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Various opioid pills, including T3, alprazolam, and hydromorphone ($2,200 value)
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Approximately $45,000 in Canadian currency
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Drug trafficking materials, including scales and packaging
Suspect still wanted
Police are searching for 44-year-old Dennis Lawrence Russell Spence, who remains at large with an active arrest warrant concerning the investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Guns & Gangs Unit at 204-986-8430 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS.
Public safety warning
Winnipeg police are reminding the public that fentanyl in any form is highly dangerous, particularly with these new disguised shapes.
If anyone encounters suspicious drug-related items, they should not touch them and instead report them to the police non-emergency line at 204-986-6222. In case of an overdose or medical crisis, call 911 immediately.
The WPS reminded the public that addiction resources, including the Manitoba Addictions Helpline (1-855-662-6605) and Street Connections, are available for those in need of support.