Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2006
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Emma Poole, Calgary Herald
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

CALGARIAN WITH COCAINE ON PLANE ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA

A Calgary pilot busted with $30 million in cocaine on a private plane
- -- drugs allegedly destined for B.C. -- was arrested as he touched
down in a northern California town and is now being held by federal
agents in Sacramento.

[Name redacted], 35, is facing charges of possession of cocaine
for sale and transportation of cocaine after his twin-engine Cessna
350 was searched at Roher Field in Montague, a town of 1,200 just
south of the Oregon border.

Agents with the Siskiyou Countywide Interagency Narcotic Task Force
said they received a tip Sept. 27 that a large drug shipment was en
route from San Diego to B.C. and would be stopping to refuel at the
Montague airport.

Along with local sheriffs, agents posed as airport staff and met
[Name redacted] as he stepped off the plane.

An estimated 144 kilograms of cocaine was removed from the aircraft,
Special Agent Dave Dunwoody said in statement over the weekend.

Agents could not be reached for comment Monday, but a spokeswoman for
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the investigation is
ongoing.

Reached in California Monday, Virginia Kice couldn't comment on
whether [Name redacted] flight originated in Calgary. She did, however,
credit quick-thinking customs and border protection officers with
helping crack the case.

A search of the Canadian Civil Aircraft Register Database failed to
show [Name redacted] as the owner of an aircraft. The name of the Cessna owner
was not released.

[Name redacted] was initially booked into Siskiyou County Jail with bail set
at $1 million.

A day after his arrest, officials with the Department of Homeland
Security took custody of [Name redacted] and transported him to a holding
facility in Sacramento, where he faces federal charges.

More information on the case against [Name redacted] is expected to be
released today by the U.S. Attorney's office in Sacramento.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine