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. 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 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.

At 8:23 pm, Police stopped a vehicle on Acadia Blvd and the operator of the vehicle attempted to walk away from the vehicle at the stop. Upon being approached by the officer and told to stop, the accused initiated a struggle and shoved the officer and fled. The accused was also found to be breaching his court order to abstain from alcohol consumption. The 34 year old male was taken into custody a short time later and will be held for court in the morning

On behalf of the City of Brandon Mayor’s Office, the City of Brandon is excited to announce that the festive celebration, City Hall Christmas Open House, will take place on Sunday, December 11th, 2022 at City Hall in the Foyer. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with the program to start at 1:30 p.m. City Hall is located at 410 – 9th Street. Attendees are encouraged to park in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall and use either the north or south doors to enter City Hall. “We are pleased to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the sights and sounds of the season,” notes Mayor Jeff Fawcett. "Our community is stronger than ever, and we have much to be celebrate this joyous season.” This free event offers a special Christmas concert performance by the Brandon Community Orchestra, whose members come from various communities in Westman, ranging from preteens to seniors. They will perform a variety of familiar Christmas songs and classical pieces. Students from the Suzuki Strings program at Brandon University will also join the orchestra for several numbers. Limited seating available on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments will be served.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: November 25th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Tyrone Sky BONE (23 years) FOR Assault with a Weapon On October 30th, 2022, at approximately 2:30am, the accused Tyrone BONE assaulted numerous people inside a residence by using bear spray.  He then fled the scene prior to police arrival.  An arrest warrant has been issued for Tyrone BONE as his current whereabouts is unknown. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. ***************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for November 25th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Assault.  On Monday November 7th, 2022, at approximately 6:30pm, an employee at a business in the 900’ block of 18th Street North was assaulted by a female attempting to flee the store with a shopping cart full of merchandise.  The female suspect punched the employee while holding a small child.  The suspect is described as indigenous, in her 30's, with long dark hair, medium build, wearing a black vest, light grey sweat pants, and brown winter boots.

Assiniboine Community College has named a student space in the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology at the college’s North Hill campus, “Mazergroup Main Street”, to honour a $500,000 donation and longtime support from a Westman-born agricultural staple, Bob Mazer. Mazer has been a long-time supporter of trades programming at the college, providing an entrance award each year to students in the Agriculture Equipment Technician and Heavy Duty Technician programs and regularly loaning equipment to these programs for hands-on learning opportunities. In fall 2021, the college announced that Mazergroup was expanding their support with a $500,000 donation to Assiniboine’s ongoing campaign for the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. “This announcement is just another step in a very long, close relationship between Mazergroup and Assiniboine. All of us at Mazergroup believe very emphatically that Assiniboine helps Manitobans create better lives for themselves and their families through all kinds of training, but specifically, within the ag sector,” said Bob Mazer, President and CEO of Mazergroup. “The Prairie Innovation Centre will greatly enhance the relationship between our industry and the students that will and are creating our future trained work force. Mazergroup is very proud to be part of this next step in the evolution of such a great institution.” The new Mazergroup Main Street space is part of a common area that fosters connection for students, where they can meet, relax, and converse in their free time. Mazer is a past chair of the college’s Board of Governors and recipient of an honorary diploma. “Mazergroup and Bob himself, for years, have been champions of what we’re working to accomplish here at the college. Now, our college has a critical role to play in ensuring there are people trained and ready to step into careers in the agriculture sector, and again, Bob has stepped in to support,” said Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine. “It is our pleasure to be able to recognize their generous contributions, and the value they bring to the future of the agriculture industry and college in an area that reflects where their support began.” The Prairie Innovation Centre, which aims to expand seats in agriculture-related programming from 300 to more than 800, will be located at Assiniboine’s North Hill campus in Brandon.