![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ewatski-1024x768.jpg\")
Inspector Josh Ewatski of the Winnipeg Police Service\u2019s organized crime division speaking to reporters on May 25, 2026. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\nWinnipeg police say a 24-year-old man has been arrested after 21 loaded handguns were seized from a downtown home earlier this month.<\/p>\n
The Winnipeg Police Service says the weapons were likely shipped into the country from the United States and may have been destined for anywhere in Manitoba or across Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy seizing these firearms, the organized crime unit members have prevented possibly numerous shootings, including homicides, not only in Winnipeg and Manitoba, but throughout Canada,\u201d Insp. Josh Ewatski of the WPS organized crime division told a press conference Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe learned that many of these firearms are trafficked within the province and across the country, either before or after being used.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inspector Josh Ewatski of the Winnipeg Police Service\u2019s organized crime division speaking to reporters on May 25, 2026. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Winnipeg police are investigating if the handguns are connected to crimes under investigation.<\/p>\n
In addition to the 21 restricted handguns taken during the May 7 search of the apartment suite at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Hargrave Street, police seized a silencer, about 200 rounds of ammunition, some cocaine, cash, two cellphones and a computer.<\/p>\n
While Ewatski says the firearms are for the most part \u201cpretty typical\u201d of the handguns seen on Winnipeg streets, the silencer is a \u201cvery good indication\u201d the weapon was intended for illegal use.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe silencer is not something we run across regularly, but we have run across them in the past,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Drugs-seized-2-1024x768.jpg\")
Drugs, ammunition and cash seized by Winnipeg police, on display at May 25, 2026 press conference. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Police allege the suspect was involved in trafficking cocaine to several northern Manitoba communities, where drugs can be sold for more than in the capital city. They say he is not linked to Project Puma<\/a>, the police investigation into a \u201csophisticated criminal network\u201d that recently led to the largest drug seizure in Manitoba history.<\/p>\n Winnipeg police also say the suspect is responsible for firing a bullet at a church across the street from his home. The Cavalry Temple is right across from the building on Cumberland.<\/p>\n The accused, who was known to police, is facing 77 charges.<\/p>\n Police say they are not seeing an increase in gun crime in Winnipeg, but it\u2019s still a \u201csignificant issue\u201d in the city.<\/p>\n \u201cIt poses a huge threat to public safety and to our officers,\u201d Insp. Ewatski said.<\/p>\n \t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n Add CityNews Winnipeg as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Firearms-seized-2-1024x768.jpg\")
Guns seized by Winnipeg police, on display at May 25, 2026 press conference. (Sofia Frolova, CityNews)<\/p>\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778261834_283_google-trusted-badge.png\"){kind=icon}