Pubdate: Sun, 28 Jan 2001
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 BC Newspaper Group and New Media Development
Website: http://www.langleytimes.com/
Contact:  January 23, 2001
Author: Al Irwin

HELICOPTER, GUNS SEIZED IN CROSS-BORDER DRUG BUST

Lower Mainland criminals used a $600,000 Aerospeciale Astar helicopter to 
smuggle marijuana into the U.S. Cocaine, handguns and other weapons may 
have been brought into Canada on the return flights.

At a media conference held Tuesday morning by Langley RCMP, local, 
provincial and U.S. officers outlined a two-year international 
investigation that netted booty including the Astar 350 helicopter in the 
U.S. In Canada the list includes two Mercedes Benz cars, a 1996 Ford truck, 
a speedboat, $480,000 in U.S. currency, $104,000 in Canadian bills, three 
kilograms of cocaine worth about $120,000, two loaded handguns, several 
shotguns and rifles, four Tazer stun guns, two crossbows and an assortment 
of stolen goods including motorcycles.

In both Canada and the U.S., officials have seized the purchased goods 
under proceeds of crime legislation.

Langley detachment spokesman Cpl. Garry Begg said the investigation began 
when a Canadian currency exchange reported large currency transactions, a 
requirement under Canadian law.

The investigation was begun by the RCMP Integrated Proceeds of Crime 
Section, and over two years included Langley RCMP, the Organized Crime 
Agency of B.C., the United States Customs Service and other police forces 
including Abbotsford City and Delta Police officers.

The investigation, code-named Operation Norfolk, ranged from Abbotsford 
(where the helicopter was based) to Surrey in Canada, and in the United 
States from the remote Mount Baker area where the helicopter landed on 
numerous occasions, to residences and hotels in Bellingham.

Five Canadians and nine Americans have been arrested. The Canadians were 
arrested last week, but in at least one instance one had been arrested last 
summer, both by Langley RCMP and U.S. Customs officers.

On June 17, 2000, local police picked up a number of people in possession 
of 30 pounds of marijuana. On June 23, 2000, U.S. Customs arrested one 
Canadian (the same man Langley RCMP busted six days earlier) and four 
Americans with 21 pounds of marijuana, in Bellingham.

Some of the accused are associated with a motorcycle gang.

On Sept. 10, when Organized Crime Agency officers and Abbotsford City 
Police searched an Abbotsford house, a known member of an "outlaw 
motorcycle gang" was present. Police seized $250,000 in U.S. currency, 
$104,000, 20 pounds of marijuana, one kilogram of cocaine, two loaded 
handguns and other weapons. From a vehicle in the yard the police seized 
another two kilograms of cocaine.

Begg said arrests in Alberta may be possible. He also said the suspects 
arrested were "one small cell" of a criminal organization.

"We know we have a huge job."

Rodney Tureaud, special agent with the Department of Treasury, U.S. Customs 
Service, said his officers had worked co-operatively with Canadian police.

"I'm encouraged. This is the best working relationship I have seen 
anywhere. . not just (international). I'm talking about local, state (and 
federal) co-operation."

Tureaud said the helicopter had been based at an Abbotsford home, and flew 
to a remote logging road area near Mount Baker. Capable of carrying a 
1,000-pound payload, the U.S. Customs officers seized the helicopter and 85 
pounds of B.C.-grown marijuana in December.

The investigation began in June, 1999, when U.S. Customs officers arrested 
a Canadian and an American, at Squalicum Harbour in Washington. They were 
in the process of dismantling a B.C. registered pickup truck. They also had 
32 pounds of marijuana. During the investigation, residential and cellular 
numbers of a Canadian were discovered.

On July 8, 1999, Langley RCMP and E Division Proceeds of Crime officers 
were advised that a Washington State man and two Canadians were 
"laundering" money at a B.C. currency exchange. One of the Canadiansturned 
out to be the owner of the phone numbers U.S. officials found at Squalicum 
Harbour in June.

Begg said some of the suspects blend in well with the general population.

"It is a normal family home (the house of a suspect couple in Surrey) in a 
normal subdivision. Just normal people."

Begg said that while some cocaine was coming into Canada, it did not appear 
to be a pound-for-pound exchange.

The Canadian suspects have been released and will not be named until 
charges are laid.

Charges pending include trafficking, possession for the purpose of 
trafficking, conspiracy to traffic and conspiracy to export narcotics and 
possession of property obtained through crime, said Sgt. Randy Elliot, of 
the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. 
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