Winnipeg Drug Trafficking Investigation Ends With Convictions After Police Uncovered Corruption Concerns

A major Winnipeg drug trafficking investigation has resulted in convictions for three men after police discovered evidence suggesting that confidential information from the force may have been reaching people connected to organized crime.

The case, known as Project Roasted, began as an investigation into cocaine trafficking and eventually became linked to the activities of former Winnipeg police officer Elston Bostock, who was later convicted of multiple corruption related offences.

The three men at the centre of the trafficking investigation, Mohamed Ali, Abdullah Khan and Ahmed Dini, have now pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the operation. Their cases provide new details about the drug network and the circumstances that led investigators to believe their original investigation could have been compromised.

Police launched Project Roasted after receiving information about Ali’s alleged cocaine trafficking activities. Investigators subsequently conducted an extensive investigation that included covert searches of Ali’s home in Niverville, Manitoba, south of Winnipeg.

During those operations, officers discovered cocaine, drug cutting agents, significant amounts of cash and other items associated with drug trafficking.

Investigators later arrested Ali and Khan after they left a Stella’s restaurant on Pembina Highway. Police found approximately two kilograms of cocaine inside one of their vehicles.

According to information presented in court, Ali was considered a high level cocaine trafficker who played a decision making role within the operation. He pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking in Winnipeg and Niverville between October 2023 and February 2024.

Prosecutors are expected to jointly recommend an eight year prison sentence for Ali when he is sentenced, with the hearing anticipated early next year.

The investigation took an additional turn after police became concerned that confidential information connected to the operation might have been leaked.

Investigators obtained a warrant to examine one of the seized phones after developing concerns that the drug investigation had been compromised. Police believed information contained on the device could help establish connections between Ali, his associates and Bostock.

Bostock was a veteran Winnipeg police officer at the time. He was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to numerous corruption related offences, including providing confidential police information to individuals outside the police service.

Information recovered from the phone reportedly included photographs of Bostock with people described in court documents as criminal associates. Investigators also discovered text messages referring to Bostock allegedly obtaining police information for people connected to the group.

The discovery raised serious concerns about the integrity of police investigations and demonstrated how corruption within a law enforcement organization can potentially affect complex organized crime investigations.

The trafficking case also revealed the very different circumstances surrounding the involvement of the three convicted men.

Khan, who was the owner of the Moonlight Lounge nightclub on Osborne Street during the investigation, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Court heard that Khan picked up approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine and delivered part of the shipment before his arrest. Two kilograms remained in his vehicle when police took him into custody.

Khan had no previous criminal record, according to information presented during his sentencing. His lawyer argued that financial difficulties, debts and poverty related pressures contributed to his decisions.

Khan also faced a separate charge involving obstruction of justice following a shooting at his nightclub. He admitted misleading police about the incident and received a combined seven year prison sentence.

During his sentencing, Khan expressed deep regret for his actions and apologized emotionally in court.

The judge questioned why a man approaching 50, who had operated a legitimate business and had no previous criminal record, would become involved in a major cocaine trafficking operation.

The court also heard that his position as a nightclub owner may have exposed him to people involved in criminal activities.

The Moonlight Lounge later lost its liquor licence. Manitoba’s liquor and gaming regulator subsequently received notification that the business had been sold, with the licence cancellation taking effect in 2025.

The third man, Ahmed Dini, was described in court as a hardworking father in his 40s who had spent years working with people with developmental disabilities.

His involvement in the operation was linked to a period of serious personal and financial difficulties.

Police searched Dini’s apartment on the same day Ali and Khan were arrested and discovered 213 rocks of crack cocaine inside a dresser drawer.

Dini admitted agreeing to store the drugs after an acquaintance presented him with an opportunity to make money. His lawyer told the court that Dini was going through a difficult divorce and severe financial pressure at the time.

The decision ultimately resulted in significant consequences for Dini and his family.

The court heard that Dini has eight children, and the judge questioned why he would become involved in drug trafficking despite understanding the potential consequences for his family.

Dini has expressed remorse and said he regrets his decision.

Project Roasted illustrates the complicated nature of organized drug trafficking investigations and the different circumstances that can draw individuals into criminal networks.

At the centre of the case was a cocaine trafficking operation involving large quantities of drugs, financial transactions and multiple participants. But the investigation was also complicated by concerns that confidential police information may have been passed to individuals associated with the network.

The involvement of Bostock has added another serious dimension to the case.

Police officers are entrusted with sensitive information that can affect criminal investigations, arrests and the safety of other officers and members of the public. When such information is allegedly provided to people involved in organized crime, it can undermine investigations and damage public confidence in law enforcement.

The convictions of Ali, Khan and Dini now bring another chapter of Project Roasted to a close, although Ali’s final sentence remains to be determined.

The case also highlights the broader challenge faced by Winnipeg and other Canadian cities in confronting cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking.

Large scale trafficking operations do not always depend exclusively on individuals with long criminal histories. People with legitimate businesses, families and ordinary employment can become involved for different reasons, including financial pressure, personal relationships and the prospect of quick money.

For law enforcement, identifying those connections while protecting the integrity of investigations remains critical.

Project Roasted began with a focus on suspected cocaine trafficking but eventually exposed a much wider network of concerns. The subsequent discovery of evidence linking the investigation to a corrupt police officer demonstrated the importance of independent scrutiny and careful handling of confidential information.

The convictions and sentences resulting from the case send a clear message about the consequences of participating in organized drug trafficking, regardless of an individual’s personal circumstances or previous record.

At the same time, the allegations surrounding the former officer underline another important issue: public trust in policing depends not only on successful arrests and prosecutions, but also on ensuring that police powers and confidential information are not misused.

As Ali awaits sentencing, the Project Roasted investigation stands as a significant Winnipeg criminal case involving cocaine trafficking, organized crime connections and serious questions about police integrity.

Courtesy: CBC