The Brandon Police Service(BPS) has wrapped up an investigation that lasted more than a year and led to the arrest of 10 people in the city.
The BPS Special Release states that the group of drug traffickers would import large amounts of cocaine into Brandon from Ontario and British Columbia. The BPS investigation, named Project Banish, started in September 2021 and involved a number of units across law enforcement agencies.
Last week, the BPS executed eleven search warrants; six at residences in Brandon, one at a residence in Meadowbrook Village, one at a Brandon business, and three on vehicles. The following was seized as a result of the warrants.
- In excess of 9 kilograms of cocaine –Street value over $900,000
- Over $450,000 in cash
- 2 stolen handguns and a .30-06 rifle
- A ballistic vest and multiple other prohibited weapons
- A 2011 Lincoln MKS
- A 2003 Harley Davison motorcycle
- A 2003 Victory motorcycle.
The BPS Arrested the following individuals, and they have all appeared in court on the charges, although no charges have been proven at this time.
- Logan Bickerton (male age 27) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000, Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized X2, Possession of Restricted Firearm Obtained by Crime.
- Scott Bickerton (male age 29) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, and Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.
- Troy Bickerton (male age 32) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Exceeding $5000.
- Barry Bickerton (male age 58) Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000.
- Angela Bickerton (female age 54) Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000.
- James Reid (male age 30) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.
- Calvin Vermette (FLEURY Male age 52) Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000, Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance.
- Mitchell Brownlee (Male age 34) Conspiracy to Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance.
- Tyler Henderson (Male age 40) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime, Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance and to Possess Proceeds of Crime over $5000.
- Craig Crofton (Male age 55) Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Conspiracy to Traffic a Schedule 1 Substance.
