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2w ago

Winnipeg Officer Re-Arrested on Drug, Remains Charges as Colleague Faces Extortion Counts

A 16-month investigation prompted by internal reports uncovered evidence of drug trafficking alongside alleged human remains abuse.

Const. Elston Bostock, a 22-year member of the Winnipeg Police Service, was charged on Wednesday with criminal offences that include committing indignity to human remains, trafficking of a control substance, obstruction of justice and knowingly distributing an intimate image. (Shutterstock)
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Winnipeg's police chief discusses charges against a pair of officers.

Overview

  • Const. Elston Bostock was re-arrested on August 7 and charged with 18 offences, including trafficking of cocaine, amphetamines and psilocybin, indignity to human remains, breach of trust and obstruction of justice.
  • Const. Vernon Strutinsky faces breaking-and-entering to commit extortion and breach of trust charges over an alleged unauthorized eviction and was released under an undertaking.
  • Police executed search warrants on the officers’ cell phones, homes and station lockers as part of the inquiry that began in spring 2024.
  • Chief Gene Bowers has apologized to victims’ families and confirmed that both constables have been suspended pending criminal and internal disciplinary proceedings.
  • Both officers retain the presumption of innocence as the force confronts renewed calls for standardized conduct codes and greater transparency under Manitoba’s Police Services Act.