Pubdate: Tue, 30 Dec 2003
Source: National Post (Canada)
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Copyright: 2003 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Chad Skelton and Jim Beatty

B.C. RAIDS LINKED TO DRUG PROBE

Provincial legislature: Organized-crime investigation led to searches at
offices of ministerial assistants

VANCOUVER - A police raid of the offices of two ministerial assistants at
the B.C. legislature on Sunday came after a drug trade investigation turned
up evidence of other possible crimes, RCMP said yesterday.

RCMP spokesman Sergeant John Ward said the 20-month drug probe was set up to
investigate how organized crime was involved in selling B.C.-grown marijuana
in the United States in exchange for cocaine, which was then sold on
Canadian streets.

But in the course of their investigation, police came across evidence of
other crimes -- which led to Sunday's raid on the offices of two ministerial
assistants, Sgt. Ward said.

He refused to discuss the nature of the allegations, saying it could
compromise the ongoing investigation.

Gordon Campbell, the B.C. Premier, called the situation "troubling," but
said he did not think there was a need for him and his ministers to
immediately return from their vacations.

According to sources, the two government offices targeted in Sunday's raids
were those of David Basi, assistant to Finance Minister Gary Collins, and
Bob Virk, assistant to Transportation Minister Judith Reid.

Yesterday, the B.C. Cabinet fired Mr. Basi, citing a lack of confidence in
him, while Mr. Virk was suspended with pay.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr. Basi, a prominent organizer for both
the provincial and federal Liberal parties and a well-known supporter of
Paul Martin, said he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

Both Mr. Basi and Mr. Virk were appointed by Cabinet.

Sgt. Ward said no politicians or political parties have been targeted in the
investigation.

"I want to make this very clear: The search warrants that police executed at
the B.C. legislature did not involve any elected provincial politicians in
B.C.," Sgt. Ward said. "In fact, police have received excellent ongoing
co-operation from the B.C. Solicitor- General's ministry and the Minister
[Rich Coleman] himself."

The investigation involves the RCMP's organized crime, drug and commercial
crime sections.

Reached at his vacation spot in Maui, Hawaii, Mr. Campbell said he is
concerned about the investigation and the taint it could have on his
government.

"Obviously it's troubling to everyone," Mr. Campbell said, adding that no
government decisions were influenced or compromised in any way by the
actions of Mr. Basi or Mr. Virk.

"I have not been informed of anything whatsoever that would compromise any
of the decisions of government," Mr. Campbell said, adding he has every
confidence in Mr. Collins and Ms. Reid and does not believe they need to
return to B.C. from their vacations abroad.

"If I thought it would serve any purpose, we'd be coming home, but I don't
see any purpose at this point," he said.

About 20 officers were involved in Sunday's search of the legislature, which
included the large offices of Mr. Collins and Ms. Reid and the smaller
offices of their staff. After several hours, they emerged with about 30
cardboard boxes, which were taken away in a white van.

The legislature was just one of several premises searched by the RCMP and
Victoria police over the weekend, including: Mr. Basi's home, an accounting
office in Victoria, the Victoria office of a consultant who lobbies the
provincial government, and the home offices of two people living in the
Vancouver area.

While no arrests have yet been made in connection with this weekend's raids,
Sgt. Ward said nine people in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto were arrested
by police about 10 days ago in connection with the marijuana sale. Their
names were not released because no one has yet been charged.
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