A British Columbia fugitive linked to the Wolfpack gang alliance has been apprehended in Cancun, Mexico, after evading authorities for four years. Denis Ivziku, 28, was arrested earlier this month by Mexican law enforcement acting on intelligence provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Arrest in Cancun
Multiple Mexican media outlets reported that Ivziku was taken into custody in the Caribbean coastal city following a joint operation involving the Mexican navy, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, and the Federal Prosecutor's Office. Authorities released images showing Ivziku with a black bar over his face, standing in front of a jet alongside representatives from the participating agencies.
Connection to Wolfpack Gang
Ivziku is the brother-in-law of Damion Ryan, a convicted Hells Angel and prominent member of the Wolfpack gang alliance. He was among 22 individuals charged in 2022 as part of Project Divergent, a years-long international drug investigation that began in Manitoba. An Interpol warrant had been issued for his arrest, and periodic news releases over the past four years sought information on his whereabouts.
Charges and Investigation
Ivziku faces charges of drug trafficking, conspiracy to traffic, and possession of property obtained by crime. Project Divergent targeted drug smuggling networks operating across Canada and internationally. During a March 2022 news conference, police revealed that drugs were flowing from Mexican cartels into Manitoba.
In the course of the investigation, authorities seized 110 kilograms of cocaine valued at an estimated $11 million, 41.4 kilograms of methamphetamine worth $8 million, three kilograms of fentanyl valued at $50 million, and half a kilogram of MDMA (ecstasy) worth $70,000. Additionally, police confiscated 14 handguns, five assault-style rifles, and over $445,000 in cash.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
In December 2023, Manitoba Court of King's Bench Justice Chris Martin convicted Damion Ryan, a full-patch member of B.C.'s Haney Hells Angels chapter, of conspiracy to traffic drugs, conspiracy to possess proceeds of crime, and conspiracy to benefit a criminal organization. Ryan is awaiting sentencing while also facing criminal charges in Ontario and the United States. Justice Martin characterized Ryan as a key figure in the Wolfpack alliance, directing a sophisticated drug organization capable of sourcing large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl from Vancouver to Winnipeg, along with handguns and protective services.
Rivera Maya News reported that Ivziku maintained ties with the Hells Angels while residing in Quintana Roo state. When asked about the reports, Manitoba RCMP Cpl. Melanie Roussel stated via email that the force would provide further information once available.
