Full Breakdown
Former Winnipeg Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking
1/5/2026, 11:40:37 PM
Overview of the Case
Elston Bostock, a former constable with the Winnipeg Police Service, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of drug trafficking, admitting to selling cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin, and various prescription drugs over an eight-year period. His admissions were made in a Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, where he acknowledged that his drug sales occurred both on and off duty.
Details of the Offenses
Bostock's drug trafficking activities spanned from 2016 to 2024, during which he sold drugs to friends and colleagues, including other police officers. According to federal Crown attorney Janna Hyman, Bostock's actions were characterized as "akin to social trafficking," with the amounts sold being primarily for personal use rather than for profit. Notably, he conducted these transactions in police parking lots and even from his police vehicle.
Specific incidents included Bostock providing an officer with Percocets for medical issues and offering MDMA gummies and cannabis joints as a birthday gift. He also advised a friend on how to transport cocaine discreetly, citing his police experience as a source of knowledge. Bostock's trafficking was uncovered following a lengthy investigation known as Project Fibre, which began in April 2024 after concerns were raised by colleagues.
Additional Charges and Misconduct
In addition to drug trafficking, Bostock has pleaded guilty to several other offenses linked to the investigation. These include voiding traffic tickets in exchange for liquor and gift cards, stealing cannabis from a police scene, sharing confidential police information, and sending inappropriate texts about a deceased woman whose body he photographed. His cellphone was seized by police last year, which led to the revelation of these activities.
Official Responses
Winnipeg Police Chief Gene Bowers confirmed that Bostock, who had been suspended without pay, has been permanently removed from the police force. The police department has faced scrutiny regarding the conduct of its officers, and Bowers has stated that the situation is being taken seriously.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the implications of Bostock's actions on public trust in law enforcement. The fact that a police officer engaged in drug trafficking while on duty has prompted discussions about accountability and oversight within the police force.
What's Next
Bostock's sentencing is scheduled for next week, where he will face consequences for his actions, including the various charges related to drug trafficking and misconduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bostock cites his police experience for this knowledge,” — Janna Hyman, Federal Crown Attorney
