Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jul 2007
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2007 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Natalie Alcoba

POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED DURING SERIES OF RAIDS

Drugs, Cash Seized

Toronto police have accused one of their own officers of helping an 
Eastern European organized crime group charged with importing and 
exporting marijuana and cocaine between Canada and the United States.

Traffic Services Constable Ioan-Florin Floria, 34, was arrested 
yesterday during a series of co-ordinated raids in Toronto, 
Mississauga, York Region, British Columbia and Michigan that busted a 
"substantial" smuggling ring and took into custody 24 other people of 
Romanian, Albanian and Hungarian origin.

Police have seized more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana, valued at 
$3-million, one kilogram of cocaine, valued at $30,000, nearly 
$500,000 in Canadian currency and US$41,000. Police also seized three 
handguns and two stolen vehicles.

Staff Inspector Don Campbell of Toronto's drug squad said most of the 
marijuana was shipped from B.C. to Toronto and then smuggled into the 
United States for sale. The profits from that venture were then used 
to purchase cocaine, which was imported to Toronto and on to B.C., 
police allege. It is alleged that Const. Floria conducted searches of 
confidential police databases and advised the traffickers on how to 
avoid police detection.

During the course of the eight-month investigation, police said, they 
foiled a plan to kidnap a group associate who was being blamed for 
losing a shipment of cargo that police had intercepted in Canada.

Staff Insp. Campbell said the gang successfully kidnapped two other 
people in Toronto. "It was a very brutal kidnapping. We're alleging 
[Const. Floria] had some knowledge of that after the fact," said 
Staff Insp. Campbell.

Const. Floria is charged with two counts of breach of trust, two 
counts of obstruction of justice, accessory after the fact of 
kidnapping and launder proceeds of crime. Toronto Police Chief Bill 
Blair called it "worrisome" that one of his own officers faces such 
serious charges, but said he does not believe the problem is 
widespread. He noted the service "still recruits from the human race."

Const. Floria was released and has been suspended from his duties 
with pay, as outlined by provincial law.
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