A number of police agencies in Western Canada have teamed up to take down what they say is a major organization in the illicit drug trade. 

The Winnipeg Police Service's Organized Crime Division initiated Project Riverbank in early 2018 to target a sophisticated criminal drug network in the western provinces. Because it was far-reaching, the WPS teamed up with the RCMP, Regina Police Service, Edmonton Police Service and Vancouver Police Service. 

Over 300 officers executed 16 search warrants, with eight taking place in Winnipeg, four in Regina, one in Edmonton and three in the lower mainland of B.C. Police arrested 10 people, who are charged with a combined 156 criminal code offences related to conspiracy and trafficking of a controlled substance, firearms and proceeds of a crime. 

The total value of the bust is estimated around $2.7 million, according to police. 

"The individuals involved in this drug network were significant players," WPS Insp. Max Waddell said. "Taking these drugs away from them and dismantling their network is going to have a significant impact." 

Police seized various drugs, including three kilograms of methamphetamine, a drug that has been an ongoing problem in the prairie region over recent months and has led to a spike in property thefts and violent crimes in Winnipeg. 

Waddell says three kilograms may not seem like much but they believe they put a serious dent in the supply. 

"If you extrapolate three kilograms to how it would be given out on the street that would potentially equal up to 30,000 hits," Waddell said. "The way meth is broken down is into a tenth of a gram, so that means 30,000 citizens could be exposed to this highly addictive drug, so that's why we believe it's significant that it's been removed from the streets of Winnipeg." 

Police confiscated various vehicles that were being used by the group, including a large semi-truck they believe was transporting the drugs west from B.C. 

They also seized various weapons, cash and a money counter. 

Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth says this investigation and subsequent arrests show the importance of police forces sharing information and working together whenever they can.