ORGANIZED CRIME RAMPANT IN SOUTH

$1 Million Worth Of Cocaine Sold Each Month In 'Hat

Gangs and organized crime groups continue to feed drug problems in
communities across southern Alberta -- with at least one city dealing
with millions of dollars of cocaine being sold monthly -- says a
report on organized and serious crime in the province.

But city officials and police are working to fight the problem.

According to the Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta's annual
report, Medicine Hat, Brooks and Lethbridge are among a number of
communities dealing with several groups trafficking illegal drugs,
particularly cocaine.

In Medicine Hat's case, well-established gangs from Calgary, along
with dealers from Brooks, are bringing drugs to the city.

"Police in Medicine Hat are faced with a phenomenon whereby more than
$1 million in cocaine is being sold by wholesalers -- with a street
value nearing $2.5 million -- each month in the city alone," the report states.

Staff Sgt. Tim McGough said he could not put a dollar value on the
drugs in the city, but said the police service has six full-time
officers in the special operations unit dealing specifically with
drugs, and sometimes they boost the unit to eight members.

"We are putting a lot of resources into it," he said. "It is,
unfortunately, rife through the community."

Eight years ago, when McGough was working in the drug unit, there
would only be the odd bust for cocaine or opiate-based
pharmaceuticals. In the last four or five years, that has changed.

"Crack cocaine is definitely the drug of choice," he said.

It is also the drug of choice in Brooks, where a booming economy is
fuelling the problem.

Mayor Don Weisbeck said at least four street gangs are active in the
community, including the Hells Angels.

"There's no doubt it's a hotbed. There's a lot of money in the area
because of the oil and gas industry. Because of that, people can feed
expensive habits," he said.

The city has set up a drug task force, and in the fall created a
police commission to help combat the problem.

It has also bolstered its police numbers, adding another seven RCMP
officers for a total of 21.

"We're pretty determined to make a dent in this area," Weisbeck said,
"but as long as there is money, there will always been an issue.

"The only thing we can do is make our area a little more
uncomfortable for them."

But to eradicate the problem completely is wishful thinking, he added.