Project BANISH: police seize over 9 kg of cocaine, $450,000 cash

Source: BPS News Release

In September of 2021, the Brandon Police Service Organized Crime Section (OCS) commenced and investigation into a high level, interprovincial cocaine trafficking cell dubbed “Project Banish”.  OCS was assisted by the Crime Suppression Unit, Major Crime Unit, Police Service Dog Unit, Winnipeg Police Service, MCIC – Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre, and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Through the investigation, police learned of multiple members of a local group of drug-traffickers.  This drug network was observed to import multi-kilogram level quantities of cocaine into Brandon, and then distribute the cocaine through a sophisticated operation network of high/mid-level traffickers and local couriers.  The drug network’s primary criminal activities involved transporting cocaine into Brandon from Ontario and British Columbia.

During the week of November 21, 2022 members of Brandon Police Service Crime Division, with the assistance of members from the Patrol Division and Support Services executed the following Search Warrants:

-Six residential search warrants in Brandon

-One residential search warrant in Campbell’s Trailer Court

-a search warrant on a Brandon Business

-three vehicle search warrants

Ten individuals have since been arrested in connection with these investigations and they now face a variety of charges related to drug trafficking while more arrests are anticipated in the near future.

Photo: Brandon Police Service

The following individuals have each appeared in court on charges:

Logan BICKERTON (male age 27) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000, Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized X2, Possession of Restricted Firearm Obtained by Crime

Scott BICKERTON (male age 29) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, and Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.

Troy BICKERTON (male age 32) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000.

Barry BICKERTON (male age 58) Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

Angela BICKERTON (female age 54) Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000.

James REID (male age 30) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.

Calvin VERMETTE (FLEURY Male age 52) Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000, Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance.

Mitchell BROWNLEE (Male age 34) Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance.

Tyler HENDERSON (Male age 40) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.

Craig CROFTON (Male age 55) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule I Substance.

Exhibits Seized:

In excess of 9 kilograms of cocaine –Street value over $900,000

Over $450,000 cash

2 stolen handguns and a .30-06 rifle

A ballistic vest and multiple other prohibited weapons

A 2011 Lincoln MKS

A 2003 Harley Davison motorcycle

and a 2003 Victory motorcycle.

The combined value of drugs, cash, and proceeds of crime is over $950,000

Photo: Brandon Police Service

This complex investigation demonstrates the ability of Brandon Police Service Organized Crime Division to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to detect, disrupt and dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking operations.

Brandon Police Service would like to thank and acknowledge the support of the Winnipeg Police Service along with Manitoba Justice and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for their assistance in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

The impact of this investigation will ensure the reduction of acts of violence, property Crime and most importantly, the reduction of overdose deaths in the community we serve.