Pubdate: Sat, 15 Oct 2005 Source: Review, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2005 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2907 Author: Alison Langley 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. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) SMUGGLERS' WINGS CLIPPED BY PROJECT PIGEON BUST Nearly $15m Worth of Drugs Seized by Police FORT ERIE - The Peace Bridge was among the international crossings favoured by organized crime gangs to smuggle large quantities of cash and marijuana across the border, police say. A two-year investigation into the multi-million dollar smuggling ring, dubbed Project Pigeon, ended last week with the arrest of the operators of two Brampton trucking firms suspected of using their vehicles to distribute cash and drugs for Asian and Caribbean organized crime groups. Through the course of the investigation, more than 2,200 kilograms of marijuana was seized - with an estimated street value of between $12.5 and $15 million - as well as $1.3 million in U.S. currency. Approximately $1 million in undeclared cash was seized Feb. 4, 2004 at the Peace Bridge after the driver of a tractor trailer told Canada Customs officers he had a single bottle of alcohol to declare. The 34-year-old Brampton man was referred for a secondary examination and a search of the trailer revealed cash hidden throughout the cab. The incident represented the largest seizure of currency in the history of the Niagara Falls-Fort Erie division of the Canada Border Services Agency. Project Pigeon was led by the Peel Regional Police and included investigators from the Ontario Provincial Police, RCMP, CBSA, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and United States Customs. "The investigation was developed to focus on the upper echelons of the crime syndicates," said Det. Stephen Duivesteyn, lead investigator for Project Pigeon. "What we have witnessed is lower level players, such as drivers, occasionally getting caught at the border. The upper echelons of the crime syndicates, such as the owners and operators who are essentially the masterminds and planners of this operation, were able to avoid being arrested and prosecuted." Duivesteyn said drivers often agree to transport drugs across the border for organized crime groups because of the promise of a high payment. Drivers can make in excess of $10,000 to deliver a load of Canadian-grown marijuana to the U.S. "Legitimate, honest, reputable transportation firms have expressed their disgust in observing the criminal element embedded in the transportation industry," Duivesteyn added. The investigation included a bust in Oklahoma, where police discovered 600 kilograms of marijuana hidden in a transport truck. Another rig was stopped in Cornwall, where 100 kilograms of marijuana was found stashed inside futon mattresses. Police say the mattresses had been "professionally repacked" in an effort to avoid detection at the border. In addition, investigators seized diamonds valued at $454,000 and $100,000 in other stolen goods. Charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana are [names, ages, and locations deleted] The investigation is continuing and further arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information is asked to call Peel Police at 905-453-2121, ext. 8800, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake