A former Winnipeg police officer, Const. Elston Bostock, has admitted to engaging in drug trafficking activities, including selling cocaine and psilocybin to civilians and fellow police officers over a span of several years. Bostock, who served with the Winnipeg Police Service for over 20 years before being dismissed, pleaded guilty to distributing drugs while on duty, including selling them in police station parking lots and from his patrol vehicle.
According to federal Crown attorney Janna Hyman, Bostock’s drug transactions were characterized as social exchanges rather than profit-driven ventures. The drugs sold were in personal-use quantities, and Bostock received payment in various forms such as cash, items in exchange, and favors.
The revelation of Bostock’s drug dealings emerged after his cellphone was seized in 2024 during an investigation known as Project Fibre. Court proceedings unveiled multiple instances where Bostock provided drugs like psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis to other officers, such as offering MDMA gummies and joints as gifts to colleagues.
In specific incidents detailed in court, Bostock facilitated drug exchanges with acquaintances, including dropping off MDMA gummies during his night shift, arranging for cocaine pickups, and advising on drug transport methods. His actions also involved voiding traffic tickets for gifts, stealing cannabis from a police scene, divulging confidential information, and sending inappropriate messages related to a deceased individual.
Bostock’s guilty pleas were part of a negotiated agreement that may result in a penitentiary sentence, with the prosecution seeking up to six years in prison. A sentencing hearing encompassing all charges is slated for the following week, pending the completion of a psychological evaluation requested by the defense team.
