Investigation into cocaine smuggling from Mexico to Canada results in arrests

WINNIPEG – Mounties say they have arrested people from Manitoba and Ontario after a two-year investigation into a criminal group moving large amounts of cocaine into Canada from Mexico.

RCMP say during the course of their investigation, they seized more than two kilograms of cocaine.

They say the group was using sophisticated concealment methods to get the drug across the border undetected, but did not say what those methods were.

The arrests were made after search warrants were executed at a rural property near Rosenort, Man., and at residences in Leamington, Ont.

Frank Banman, 35, of Rosenort is charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Daniel Tiessen, 48, and Jacob Thiessen, 29, of Leamington are charged with conspiracy to traffic cocaine and conspiracy to kidnap.

Jay Shanks, 56, of Leamington is charged with conspiracy to kidnap.