Pubdate: Fri, 21 May 2004
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
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Copyright: 2004 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Sherri Zickefoose, With Files From Emma Poole And Jason Van Rassel

NATIVE GANG WAR GROWING VIOLENT

Violent turf wars between native gangs, especially in north-central Alberta,
are heating up as aboriginal organized crime groups continue spreading
throughout the province.

A turf war over the drug trade between two gangs -- Redd Alert and Indian
Posse -- is erupting into increased violence at one First Nations community,
resulting in two homicides, according to Canadian Intelligence Service
Alberta's annual report.

CISA operations co-ordinator Gary Buss, a retired RCMP inspector, would not
specify which reserve is facing increased tensions.

"We have to be cautious when we have undercover operations," said Buss.

The friction between crime rings revolves around who will rule the drug
trade, and it's more established in Edmonton than it is in Calgary,
according to police.

"I don't think we're seeing much activity from the aboriginal groups here in
Calgary -- not that they aren't trying to do something here," said Insp.
Brian Skeet of the Calgary police organized crime control section.

Edmonton is experiencing increasing violence as the Indian Posse moves into
established drug circles, the report says.

The three main native street gangs -- Indian Posse, Redd Alert and Alberta
Warriors -- have drug trafficking connections with Hells Angels and Asian
organized crime rings, according to CISA.

The Redd Alert is growing the fastest, aiming to become the dominant gang in
Alberta.

"Redd Alert has spread outwards toward Alberta First Nations communities
from their already established areas of Edmonton and Calgary," the report
reads.

The Indian Posse's strongest presence is in Edmonton, where members have
links to "a significant Asian-based group" fuelling its drug supply. The
drugs are mostly selling in northern Alberta treaty areas, the report says.

The Alberta Warriors are most active in Edmonton, but maintain a relatively
low profile.

To discourage young people from joining, Enoch RCMP Cpl. Cam Alexis is
speaking out against native gangs at Siksika's high school next week.

"The perception is that native gangs aren't organized. They are violent, no
question about it," he said. 
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