Pubdate: Sat, 30 Nov 2002
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Tom Godfrey, Toronto Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?188 (Outlaw Bikers)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

BIG BUCKS IN BORDER BUSTS

Gang Assets Net $900Gs For RCMP From U.S.

U.S. authorities have dished out more than $900,000 Cdn this year to the 
RCMP as part of gang assets seized from cross-border criminal activity.

Mounties were handed a cheque this week for $350,000 Cdn from U.S. Customs 
for their role in smashing a Canada-U.S. drug ring, and the forfeiture of 
goods and vehicles.

5 Arrested

U.S. Customs spokesman Michael Bridgeman said the funds are part of 
$783,600 Cdn seized in a probe into the smuggling of cocaine, marijuana and 
pseudo-ephedrine, an ingredient for making methamphetamine.

Bridgeman said five people were arrested during the two-year probe in which 
drugs were smuggled from Canada to the U.S. at a border crossing at 
Montreal-Rouses Point, N.Y.

"We have been doing a lot of work with U.S. police," said RCMP Supt. Garry 
Clement, of the force's proceeds of crime unit. "The U.S. is one of our 
strongest allies."

Police said the gang assets were auctioned off with the proceeds divided 
among investigating agencies. Montreal police were given $18,000 Cdn, New 
York State cops received $131,000 US, and Plattsburgh officers $73,500 US.

Clement said the RCMP funds will go into government coffers. Officers are 
now seizing millions in undeclared cash entering Canada as payment for 
large amounts of B.C. bud marijuana being shipped down south.

"We're seeing a reverse flow of cash," Clement said. "This flow is becoming 
quite a trend today."

Smuggling Proceeds

Police said cross-border crime gangs are also involved in the smuggling and 
resale of cigarettes, booze and firearms. Fran Gershberg, of the public 
works department, said Canadian police received $785,500 from U.S. 
authorities last year.
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