A former Winnipeg police officer, Elston Bostock, has pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs to both civilians and fellow officers over a period spanning from 2016 to 2024. The admissions were made in a Winnipeg courtroom on Monday.
Years of Trafficking
Bostock, who served with the Winnipeg Police Service for more than two decades before being removed from the force, admitted to selling cocaine and psilocybin. According to federal Crown attorney Janna Hyman, Bostock trafficked drugs while on duty, utilizing locations such as police station parking lots and his police vehicle.
Hyman stated there was no evidence suggesting Bostock was motivated by financial gain, characterizing the activity as “akin to social trafficking to friends and colleagues.” The amounts sold were reportedly limited to personal-use quantities, with Bostock receiving payment in cash, bartered items, and favors.
Involving Fellow Officers
The cases involving other officers included instances where Bostock was asked for prescription drugs, such as Percocets, by an officer experiencing medical issues. He also allegedly offered MDMA gummies and cannabis joints as a birthday gift to a colleague. In another instance, an officer seeking a transfer to a different force inquired about obtaining an anti-anxiety medication to assist in passing a lie detector test.
Bostock also facilitated drug purchases for civilians, including directing a friend to pick up cannabis edibles while he was working at the Manitoba legislative building, instructing the friend to identify themselves to security as visiting a police officer.
On one occasion, Bostock advised a friend on how to transport cocaine on a flight, suggesting avoiding the Winnipeg airport due to the presence of drug-detecting dogs and recommending a smaller flight from St. Andrews. He reportedly cited his police experience as the basis for this advice.
Previous Admissions and Ongoing Investigation
Bostock was charged following a lengthy investigation, dubbed Project Fibre, which began in April 2024. He had previously pleaded guilty to other charges related to the probe, including voiding traffic tickets in exchange for gifts, stealing cannabis from a police scene, sharing confidential police information, and sending inappropriate texts regarding a photo of a woman who had fatally overdosed.
What’s Next?
Bostock’s sentencing is scheduled for next week. Depending on the judge’s discretion, he could face a range of penalties, including imprisonment. The case may also prompt internal reviews within the Winnipeg Police Service regarding vetting procedures and potential systemic issues. It is possible that further investigations could be launched based on information uncovered during Project Fibre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drugs did Elston Bostock admit to trafficking?
Elston Bostock admitted to trafficking cocaine and psilocybin between 2016 and 2024.
Where did Bostock conduct some of his alleged drug trafficking?
Bostock admitted to trafficking drugs while on duty, in the parking lots of police stations and from his police vehicle.
Was Bostock motivated by profit?
According to federal Crown attorney Janna Hyman, there was no evidence Bostock was motivated by profit, and his actions were described as “akin to social trafficking to friends and colleagues.”
How might this case impact public trust in the Winnipeg Police Service?
