Three individuals, including a high-level cocaine trafficker, a nightclub owner functioning as a drug courier, and a recently divorced father, have admitted guilt in connection to a drug bust in Winnipeg. Mohamed Ali, Abdullah Khan, and Ahmed Dini were arrested as part of Project Roasted, an extensive investigation into a drug trafficking network in 2024. The arrests took place at Stella’s on Pembina Highway, where police seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine from one of the vehicles involved.
Following concerns of compromised investigations due to potential corruption involving a former Winnipeg police officer, further scrutiny was placed on the case. It was revealed that the officer, Elston Bostock, had been providing confidential police information to individuals outside the force, including the accused in this drug operation. Subsequent examinations of cellphone data uncovered incriminating evidence linking Ali, his associates, and Bostock.
Ali, identified as a significant cocaine trafficker, was reported to be the central figure directing drug-related activities in Winnipeg and Niverville. Khan, who operated as a drug courier, was also implicated in the drug operation, along with involvement in obstructing justice in a separate incident. Meanwhile, Dini, a father of eight, was found with crack cocaine in his possession during the arrests.
During their respective court hearings, Khan’s attorney attributed his client’s involvement to financial struggles, while Dini’s lawyer highlighted his client’s regret and difficult circumstances leading to his actions. Both Khan and Dini received sentences reflecting the gravity of their crimes, with recommendations for imprisonment and probation.
While the case shed light on the involvement of these individuals in the drug trafficking network, charges against two other co-accused were dropped in the past year without detailed explanations from federal prosecutors. The convictions and sentencing of those involved in Project Roasted underscore the complexities and consequences of drug-related crimes in the region.
