Pubdate: Fri, 12 Dec 2003 Source: Oakville Beaver (CN ON) Copyright: 2003, Oakville Beaver Contact: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/ob/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1600 KERR STREET DRUG SWEEP Police Target Street-Level Cocaine Dealers The Halton Regional Police have wrapped up a three-month investigation targeting cocaine and crack cocaine drug dealers in Oakville -- particularly Kerr Street. During the operation police discovered people were coming from Peel Region and other parts of Halton to buy drugs from dealers on Kerr Street. The investigation by the Halton Regional Police Regional Drug and Morality Bureau resulted in the arrest of nine people for numerous offences and the seizure of thousands of dollars of illegal drugs. Police also believe they have cut into the supply of illegal drugs sold on Kerr Street. The probe was initiated after police, over a period of time, identified certain drug trafficking areas in Oakville based on police calls for service, officers' observations and community concerns. Last year's shooting outside the Double Diamond bar on Kerr Street was determined to be drug related. The Drug Bureau and the Oakville District Street Crime Unit launched the street level drug project months ago in response to concerns drug dealers were conducting business in and around a number of licenced establishments in the Kerr Street area. None of the drug deals, however, occurred in these establishments, said the police. During the course of the undercover operation, police observed that the majority of the customer base was from outside Oakville, with people - teenagers to 40-year olds - coming from other areas of Halton and Peel Regions. Prices range from $75 - $100 for a gram of cocaine, or $100 for a gram of crack cocaine. Halton drug officers have also noted that the use of cocaine has been increasing with high school aged teens. The project was intended to eradicate street level drug dealing, and resulted in the arrest of nine Oakville residents. The seizures of $6,000 to $7,000 worth of cocaine led to 35 trafficking charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Police were also involved with the Liquor Inspectors of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to address liquor concerns. Among those charged was a 17-year old Oakville female who was selling drugs on behalf of her boyfriend. The names of those charged have not been released by police for fear of compromising ongoing investigations. The identification of these drug dealers has resulted in the reduced supply of cocaine and crack cocaine in this area of Oakville, say police. Three other charges related to a weapons offence and breaches of recognizance were also laid. Police also seized a car that will be held pending the outcome of the court process. Police are continuing to monitor these areas in support of ongoing investigations. Anyone with information on any drug issues in Halton Region is asked to call police at 905-825-4777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake