Pubdate: Wed, 11 Aug 2010
Source: Cape Breton Post (CN NS)
Copyright: 2010 Cape Breton Post
Contact:  http://www.capebretonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/777
Author: Nancy King

SEIZED PROPERTY IN CRIME INVESTIGATION WORTH WELL OVER $100,000

SYDNEY - Vehicles, flat-screen televisions, a backhoe, even a washer 
and dryer. Those items are among the property seized by a joint RCMP 
and Cape Breton Regional Police investigation that resulted in the 
laying of the first organized crime charges in Cape Breton history last week.

The police agencies provided a photo opportunity of the items for 
media at the RCMP's Grand Lake Road detachment Tuesday. They also 
included a barbecue, boats, a Sea-Doo, computers and cash, but Insp. 
John Ryan, RCMP federal operations support officer, said they aren't 
able to provide a figure for the value of the property.

"We're still assessing that, but it's well over $100,000," he said. 
"The investigation is ongoing so it's difficult to put a dollar figure."

The joint force charged 16 people after several searches and arrests 
Thursday as part of a nine-month investigation of a group believed to 
be trafficking cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana.

Ryan said it's believed some of the eight vehicles seized were used 
in the commission of crimes. Other property is believed to have been 
purchased with the proceeds of drug trafficking. The integrated 
proceeds of crime section will apply to the courts for the forfeiture 
of the property, Ryan said. He added they don't have to wait for 
charges laid in the matter to result in criminal convictions in order to do so.

Police are continuing to look for two others who face charges in 
connection with the investigation.

Figures for the amounts of drugs or cash seized weren't available 
Tuesday. Ryan said it's difficult to compare the most recent seizure 
with other busts. In other cases, there were much larger quantities 
of drugs seized, but the focus of this investigation was to dismantle 
a criminal organization, he said.

Operation H-Tactic began in the fall of 2009. Along the way 
investigators discovered the group organized shipments of drugs to 
Sydney from Montreal and Halifax. They were then distributed to local 
traffickers throughout this region.

Charges range from conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, marijuana and 
ecstasy, to trafficking in a controlled substance, possession for the 
purpose of trafficking and participation in a criminal organization. 
A number of those charged have since been released from custody on 
conditions after posting sureties.

Most of the group was based out of the Sydney area, and according to 
police, are not associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs or similar 
groups. However, they did have contacts in Montreal and Halifax.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart