Pubdate: Sun, 22 Jul 2007
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Gwendolyn Richards

ORGANIZED CRIME RAMPANT IN SOUTH

$1 Million Worth Of Cocaine Sold Each Month In 'Hat

Gangs and organized crime groups continue to feed drug problems in 
communities across southern Alberta -- with at least one city dealing 
with millions of dollars of cocaine being sold monthly -- says a 
report on organized and serious crime in the province.

But city officials and police are working to fight the problem.

According to the Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta's annual 
report, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Lethbridge are among a number of 
communities dealing with several groups trafficking illegal drugs, 
particularly cocaine.

In Medicine Hat's case, well-established gangs from Calgary, along 
with dealers from Brooks, are bringing drugs to the city.

"Police in Medicine Hat are faced with a phenomenon whereby more than 
$1 million in cocaine is being sold by wholesalers -- with a street 
value nearing $2.5 million -- each month in the city alone," the report states.

Staff Sgt. Tim McGough said he could not put a dollar value on the 
drugs in the city, but said the police service has six full-time 
officers in the special operations unit dealing specifically with 
drugs, and sometimes they boost the unit to eight members.

"We are putting a lot of resources into it," he said. "It is, 
unfortunately, rife through the community."

Eight years ago, when McGough was working in the drug unit, there 
would only be the odd bust for cocaine or opiate-based 
pharmaceuticals. In the last four or five years, that has changed.

"Crack cocaine is definitely the drug of choice," he said.

It is also the drug of choice in Brooks, where a booming economy is 
fuelling the problem.

Mayor Don Weisbeck said at least four street gangs are active in the 
community, including the Hells Angels.

"There's no doubt it's a hotbed. There's a lot of money in the area 
because of the oil and gas industry. Because of that, people can feed 
expensive habits," he said.

The city has set up a drug task force, and in the fall created a 
police commission to help combat the problem.

It has also bolstered its police numbers, adding another seven RCMP 
officers for a total of 21.

"We're pretty determined to make a dent in this area," Weisbeck said, 
"but as long as there is money, there will always been an issue.

"The only thing we can do is make our area a little more 
uncomfortable for them."

But to eradicate the problem completely is wishful thinking, he added.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom