Drug Joint Force Operation – Project Hat Trick

January 23, 2024 20231540279


Between November 1, 2023 and December 23, 2023 the Altona, Morden, and Winkler Police
Services conducted a Joint Force Operation called Project Hat Trick.


Project Hat Trick resulted in the arrest of numerous subjects between the three communities
and the seizure of illicit drugs, weapons, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.


On December 15, 2023 three drug search warrants were executed in the City of Morden and the
City of Winkler. Members of the Regional Support Tactical Team, PSD Juno (WPS) and PSD Ice
(MPS) along with numerous general patrol members from the Altona, Morden, and Winkler
Police Services took part in the execution of these warrants. A combined nine people were
arrested between the three locations. Cocaine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and
weapons including firearms, bear spray, a stun gun, and a baton were seized.
On December 23, 2023, an additional search warrant was executed in the Town of Altona at
which time three people were arrested. Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and proceeds
of crime were seized.


As a result of this JFO, the Altona, Morden, and Winkler Police Services were able to seize and
remove the following items from our communities:
44 grams of Methamphetamine
Cocaine and pills
5 firearms, one being a sawed-off rifle
Stun gun, bear spray and a collapsible baton
Drug paraphernalia including scales, safes, and packaging

The following individuals were arrested and charged because of this investigation:


39-year-old Esther ACKABEE of Morden was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine.


50-year-old Keira BALL of Altona was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Under $5000.


27-year-old Shianna BEAULIEU of Winkler was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of
Trafficking Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Possess Prohibited Weapon,
Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Possess Goods
Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime Over $5000.


60-year-old Stephen BRIGGS of Altona was arrested for Proceeds of Property Obtained by
Crime, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of
Methamphetamine, and was remanded into custody.


43-year-old Jason DYCK of Morden was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possess Weapon for Dangerous
Purpose, Possess Prohibited Weapon.


41-year-old Ernie HILDEBRAND of Winkler was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of
Trafficking Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Possess Prohibited Weapon,
Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Possess Goods
Obtained by Crime Under $5000, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime Over $5000.


63-year-old Richard HILDEBRAND of Altona was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of
Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possess Goods Obtained
by Crime Under $5000.


28-year-old Alexis RECKSIEDLER of Winkler was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of
Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000,
Possess Prohibited Weapon, Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Unsafe Storage of
Firearm, Possession of Weapon Contrary to an Order, Fail to Comply with Release Order.
RECKSIEDLER was remanded into custody.


33-year-old Norma SAWATZKY of Winkler was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine,
Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Fail to Comply with Undertaking.


41-year-old Anita SINGER of Altona was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Possess Prohibited Weapon, Possess
Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Possess Goods Obtained by
Crime Under $5000, Possess Goods Obtained by Crime Over $5000.


The results of this Joint Force Operation would not have been possible without the partnerships
between these three police services along with the support of Manitoba Justice and the
Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre. This is an example of what can be achieved through
regional policing collaborations.


Respectfully Submitted,
Sergeant Chris Flook Patrol Sergeant Brad Goertzen
Morden Police Service Winkler Police Service