Pubdate: Thu, 31 Aug 2006
Source: Rocky Mountain Outlook (CN AB)
Copyright: Rocky Mountain Outlook 2006
Contact:  http://www.outlook-rockies.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3399
Author: Dan Ovsey, Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.

TRAFFIC BUSTS POINT TO TRANS-CANADA'S ROLE AS DRUG CORRIDOR

Cochrane RCMP confiscated a massive shipment of marijuana during a 
routine traffic stop on Sunday (Aug. 27), leading to the arrest of 
two Ontario men now awaiting court proceedings.

The arrests occurred in the early morning hours just east of the Hwy 
40 turnoff of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Police say 129 pounds of marijuana, prepared and ready for sale, was 
discovered by officers at the scene with the assistance of a police dog.

The arrest is the second of its kind in the past four months. In May, 
Canmore RCMP arrested a B.C. man for transporting $1.5 million worth 
of cocaine. He was also stopped for a traffic violation.

RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb said the Trans-Canada continues to serve as 
the principle route for drug traffickers looking to move narcotics 
from western grow-ops to eastern Canada.

"We have done a lot interception on the highway and the reason for 
that -- it's not just that we're lucky -- it's because it's the 
quickest route from B.C. to the other parts of Canada," he said.

The officer added the seizure of prepared marijuana is much more 
significant, as 129 pounds of prepared marijuana would have a much 
greater street impact than marijuana plants that have not yet been processed.

Asked whether police would be ramping up enforcement along the 
highways, knowing the Trans-Canada is a major supply route, Webb said 
officers would not ignore other areas, but would be more thorough 
when investigating any stops they might make along the highway.

"The officers we have out there are aware there are drugs on the 
route, and so when they make a stop, whether it be a routine stop or 
whatever, they're always thinking about the next step," said Webb. 
"That's the advantage of having RCMP officers, because they're not 
just thinking about writing tickets."

Drug busts along the Trans-Canada Highway are becoming more frequent 
as Calgary continues to grow and serve as a hub for local dealers.

Sunday's arrests come on the heels of last week's court adjournment 
for [Name redacted], who was arrested for driving too slow in the 
passing lane last May near Canmore and was found with 20 kg of 
cocaine in his back seat. [Name redacted] is scheduled to return to 
court on Sept. 13.

In the meantime, [Name redacted], 54, and [Name redacted], 33, both 
of Ontario, are scheduled to appear in Cochrane court today (Aug. 31) 
in relation to Sunday's seizure. They are charged with possession for 
the purpose of trafficking.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman