NELSON POT BUST JUST THE FIRST OF MANY, POLICE SAY

Undercover Drug Operation Targets Dealers

The weekend arrest of a marijuana paraphernalia store owner in Nelson
is the first of many, police said yesterday as they wrapped up an
undercover sting operation.

Sgt. Steve Bank of Nelson police said the two-phase, eight-day
Operation Vista targeted drug dealers in the idyllic mountain town.

Undercover officers shopped for marijuana, hashish, magic mushrooms
and cocaine at city bars, pubs and other licensed establishments.
Street dealers and dial-a-dopers were also identified.

"It was a probe to determine how much, if any, drug [dealing] activity
was taking place," Bank said. "Unfortunately, our suspicions were confirmed."

Bank said police were in the process of obtaining an undisclosed
number of warrants and Nelson residents could expect a "wave" of
arrests in coming days -- including more associated with the Holy
Smoke Culture Shop.

Paul DeFelice, co-owner of the head shop, was busted Saturday and
charged with possession and trafficking. Officers armed with a warrant
searched the shop later that night and recovered marijuana, hash, some
documents and currency, Bank said.

But in an interview with The Province, 48-year-old DeFelice insisted
his store doesn't sell marijuana and operates only a
"bring-your-own-bud" smoking room.

Bank countered that claim yesterday.

"It became apparent [during the investigation] the Holy Smoke was also
freely trafficking," Bank said. "There's going to be more arrests from
the Holy Smoke."

Bank advised anyone frequenting the 10-year-old store to be
wary.

"The police are watching," he warned.

Holy Smoke was raided in 1997 on the store's first anniversary.
Charges against DeFelice and two other owners were dropped when the
court ruled police had conducted an illegal search and there were
questions about some officers' testimony.