2 from Mexico charged in largest counterfeit cash seizure in Winnipeg police history

A woman and man from Mexico are charged with multiple offences after Winnipeg police say they seized more than $1.3-million worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl, a loaded handgun and counterfeit cash from a home.

The pair wasarrested after police searched a residence onJames Avenue between Lily Street and Waterfront Driveon Oct. 19.

"To my knowledge, this is the biggest counterfeit money seizure by the Winnipeg Police Service," Insp.Elton Hall said in a statement Tuesday.

"These individuals are clearly connected to a large scale organized crime group as they are in possession of a large amount of counterfeitmoney, access to firearms, and a staggering amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl."

Hall said after discussions with American police agencies, border patrol and the U.S. DrugEnforcement Agency, there is no suggestion of Mexican drug cartel involvement at this point in the investigation.

The two aren't Canadian residents and had six-month visitation visas, he said. They crossed the border legally and landed in Toronto, the statement said.

The gun was smuggled into Canada from Texas and police suspect the drugs also came from outside of Canada, Hall said.

Ina news release on Tuesday, police listed what was seized:

• Approximately ninekilograms of methamphetamine (which police estimated is worth$450,000 on the street).
• Approximately 2.1 kilograms of fentanyl (estimated street value of $850,000).
• A large quantity of prescription pills.
• A loaded Glock handgun and ammunition.
• About $50,000 in Canadian currency.
• About $450,000 in counterfeit Canadian currency.
• Packaging materials.

Hall said thefinancial aspect of the investigation continues.

The man and woman are both charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime, possession of counterfeit money andunauthorized possession of a firearm, among other charges.

"Organized crime directly contributes to street level violence, gang and gun violence, and greatly impacts individuals in society suffering from addiction," Hall's statement said. "Organized crime also contributes [to] the homelessness issues plaguing Winnipeg and the rest of Canada."