News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

March 9, 2020

Manitoba Government Supports Crime Stoppers Campaign Targeting Methamphetamine

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Partnership Will Help Encourage Manitobans to Share Tips on Illicit Drugs: Cullen

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The Manitoba government is investing $180,000 to support a co-ordinated provincewide campaign led by Crime Stoppers to help identify and stop methamphetamine dealers and traffickers, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Criminals dealing illicit drugs, and particularly meth, are a danger to all Manitobans,” said Cullen.  “This partnership with Crime Stoppers will help ensure Manitobans with important information to share can feel safe making an anonymous report to better their community.  We believe this campaign will clearly highlight why it is important to call the tip line and be a part of the solution.”

The three Crime Stoppers organizations serving Manitoba will jointly develop a multimedia campaign to encourage people to report information about meth-related crimes, such as dealing or trafficking.  The campaign is expected to launch across the province this week.  Funding will also be used to expand cash awards available to people who provide anonymous tips that result in meth-related arrests, building on the organizations’ existing successful approach.

“Law enforcement can not win this battle on their own,” said Paul Johnson, chair, Winnipeg Crime Stoppers.  “They need everyone’s help to provide the information they need to stop the flow of methamphetamine into our communities.  Every piece of information – no matter how trivial – is important.  The three Crime Stoppers programs are proud to be part of that community to create a ‘made-in-Manitoba solution’ to address this crisis.”

The provincial investment is provided through the Federal Proceeds of Crime Fund, which is forfeited from federally prosecuted Criminal Code offences.  The province has also distributed nearly
$2.5 million to law enforcement agencies across Manitoba from this fund and the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund this year.  It has been used to:
•    purchase specialized equipment and training for police agencies to improve officer and community safety,
•    support the victims’ assistance fund, and
•    invest in community organizations leading public safety and crime prevention initiatives.

For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf/index.html.

The minister noted this project follows other recently announced initiatives valued at more than
$25 million to continue improving mental health and addictions services in Manitoba including:
•    a request for proposals to add 100 supportive recovery-housing beds,
•    recruiting new community helpers,
•    investing in a collaboration between StreetReach Winnipeg and the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre, and
•    expanding the distribution of Thrival Kits.

Every year, Crime Stoppers organizations in Manitoba receive more than 4,200 anonymous tips from Manitobans. For more information, visit www.winnipegcrimestoppers.org/www.brandoncrimestoppers.com/  or http://manitobacrimestoppers.com/.

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