MORE CHARGES STAYED IN DRUG DEBACLE

Charges were stayed yesterday against another alleged drug trafficker in
the Project Strawberry investigation as the probe of accusations against
drug cops continues.

Mr. Justice Eugene Ewaschuk asked federal prosecutor Robin Parker if the
staying of six trafficking-related charges against Oleg Samsonov was linked
to "one of those drug squad cases."

"No comment," replied Parker.

Ewaschuk noted sternly that it was the prosecutor, not he, who was
requesting the stay. Parker agreed.

TAKEDOWN

The Project Strawberry investigation was conducted by the North West drug
squad -- none of the squad's members are under investigation or charged --
which brought in 100 officers from all drug units in a huge takedown in
October Eight Central drug unit officers and three divisional drug squad
members face more than 260 criminal charges, including theft, fraud and
breach of trust, plus related Police Act charges.

Federal prosecutors have remained tight-lipped about why charges in more
than 115 cases have been stayed.