POLICE ARREST 34 PEOPLE FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

Vancouver police have arrested 34 people for drug trafficking and are
looking for another 29 after a 10-day undercover operation in the
Downtown Eastside.

"These traffickers were specifically targeted because of the negative
impact they have on businesses, transit users and the resident
community there," said Insp. Eric Petit.

Petit said the project, dubbed Tyke 2 as a follow-up to February's
Tyke, aimed to improve the quality of life for residents.

Police were concerned with disorder problems, loss of business and the
sense of insecurity the traffickers bring about, said Petit.

The project's goal was not to take large amounts of drugs off the
street, said Insp. Dean Robinson. The goal was to arrest prolific
traffickers and interrupt the drug-trafficking cycle.

"These dealers have little regard for the health of the addicts and
the well-being of the community," said Robinson.

Robinson said there's a clear connection between drug activity and
property crime in the neighbourhood.

He estimates addicts who fence stolen property to feed their habits
only get about 10 per cent of the property's value.

"So when you think that an addict or substance abuser could have a
habit of $250 a day, they need to take $2,500 worth of property to
fence that to buy their drugs," he said. "On a binge they can easily,
easily consume $250."

Police worked undercover earlier this month and swept into the
Eastside on Wednesday to execute arrest warrants for 63 people on 89
charges, mostly for possession of crack cocaine for the purpose of
trafficking. More than half were in custody last night.