STOCKWELL DAY LAUDS RCMP FOR DRUG BUST

17 of 18 Charged Have Now Been Arrested

EDMONTON - Alberta RCMP are hoping a 23-month drug investigation that
saw 53 charges laid against 18 people sends a message to the drug
trade that Mounties have the time and resources to track them down.

"It's not just the product that's taken off the street," said Cpl.
Wayne Oakes.

"It's also a strong message sent out to others that either are
participating in these types of activities or are thinking about
becoming involved."

Police involved in Project Koker laid 53 charges against 18 people on
Tuesday.

Seventeen of those people have now been arrested, including three
after their names were released to the public.

Oakes said 80 officers across Canada were assigned to be ready to help
with the arrests if necessary.

Two of those arrested are members of the Edmonton chapter of the
Hells Angels.

Both face numerous drug charges.

Oakes said the Hells Angels were not the formal target of the operation.

The investigation, which began in January 2005, used wiretaps to
intercept 58,000 private communications.

More than 100 police officers from different services played a part in
the lengthy investigation.

Police seized 20 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, cellphones, guns,
vehicles, knives and weigh scales.

In total, officers seized $2 million worth of proceeds of crime.

Oakes said Project Koker is considered a successful
operation.

"There have been larger. There have been smaller. This is viewed as a
fairly significant operation, given both the length of time and the
drugs and hard assets that were seized."

The arrests was applauded by Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day.

"This operation is testimony to the excellent work of the RCMP,
the Edmonton Police Service and the Calgary Police Service," Day said in a
statement.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank them for
their diligence and determination."