Pubdate: Sat, 09 May 2009
Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS)
Copyright: 2009 Cape Breton Post
Contact:  http://www.capebretonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777
Author: Sharon Montgomery-Dupe

POLICE SAY STREETS SAFER AFTER DOZENS ARRESTED FOR DRUGS

Police say Cape Breton just got a lot safer after a series of 
dramatic, co-ordinated raids resulted in dozens of arrests Friday.

Chief Myles Burke of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service held an 
afternoon press conference and announced that 53 people will be 
arrested for drug-related offences, marking the conclusion of a 
five-month investigation, called Operation Nightrider, believed to be 
one of the largest street-level drug operations ever conducted in Cape Breton.

"This operation has led to a number of arrests and search warrrants 
in the Glace Bay area, New Waterford, Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney 
Mines, Membertou and other communities outside the jurisdiction of 
the CBRM," Burke said.

" The accused in the investigation include 45 males and eight 
females, ranging in age from 17 to 58 years of age."

About mid-afternoon, about 35 were in custody already, he said.

"As of today's date (Friday) we will be laying 160 charges against 
the controlled drugs and substances act, including primarily charges 
of trafficking, possession or the purpose of trafficking and possession."

As well, 51 charges will be laid under the criminal code including 
breach of probation, breach of undertakings, robbery and break and 
enter, he added. Burke said 80 police officers, assisted by staff 
from a number of agencies throughout the province, were involved in 
the operation.

Drugs seized as a result of the operation include marijuana, hash 
oil, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and prescription medication 
including oxycodone, Percocet, Dilaudid, morphine, hydromorphine and Valium.

Burke estimated $100,000 in drugs were purchased at street level.

" We have seen everything here from small-time street-level dealing 
to some people we feel are connected to some very serious organized 
groups dealing with drug distribution," he said, adding the arrests 
will have a significant impact on area communities.

" This is a large amount of people taken from a variety of 
communities, trafficking in narcotics."

Assets were also being seized under proceeds of crime legislation 
including vehicles, flat-screen televisions, and more.

People are fed up with drugs in their community, Burke said.

"For example, in New Waterford, officers there this morning said the 
citizens were blowing horns, clapping and shaking hands. They had 
enough, they want to take back their community and want us to assist them."

Burke said the investigation will continue with other agencies 
including the Safer Communities enforcement group and officials with 
RCMP tobacco tax and proceeds of crime units and Service Nova Scotia.

Burke also said the operation raises other concerns in the community, 
such as the need for addiction support services and a federal drug court.

" This would be an ideal location given some of the challenges we are 
dealing with."

The Cape Breton Post witnessed the takedown of several residences in 
the New Waterford area.

Shortly before 7 a.m. police executed a search warrant at the 
residence of John Parr at 3665 Emerald St.

As Parr was led out his front door in handcuffs, he continued to puff 
on a cigarette while glaring at media.

At least four vehicles were seized and towed from the property 
including a truck and a sports car.

Simultaneously police executed a search warrant at a twostorey house 
at 3793 Ellsworth Ave.

As police spread out over the property, a motorist driving by rolled 
down his window and yelled, 'It's about time.'
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart