ALBERTA TOWN FIGHTS DARK SIDE OF BOOM

CALGARY -- Gangs and drugs have become a byproduct of a booming
economy in Brooks, Alta., according to Mayor Don Weisbeck, who hopes a
recent police sting, which ended with 14 young men charged with 47
crimes, will help drive organized crime out of his small city.

"This is just the start," said Mr. Weisbeck, who pledged yesterday to
make his city of 13,000 "a very uncomfortable place to live" for drug
dealers.

Over the past five years, drugs have become more common in Brooks,
which is about two hours southeast of Calgary. But more recently, Mr.
Weisbeck has watched street gangs emerge (there are now about four
well-known entities) and seen the Hells Angels move in to hook
residents on crack cocaine and other illicit substances.

Although the major employer in the town is Lakeside Packers, residents
are also working in the area's natural-gas fields and the booming
construction trade.

"Young people, particularly those with money, are attracted to it
because you can afford it," Mr. Weisbeck said.

But it has fuelled a growing number of break-and-enters and robberies,
many by addicts struggling to pay for their habits. "We're determined
to do something about it," Mr. Weisbeck said.

A five-month investigation dubbed Project Kool and Project Kool 2,
which began in August with police probing street-level dealing to
recreational users, also sniffed out trafficking of much larger
quantities. It culminated late Thursday night with the execution of
search warrants on four Brooks homes, RCMP Constable Carol McKinley
said yesterday.

Those charged with drugs and weapons offences range in age from 18 to
30. Five men connected to the raids remain at large.

Police seized a still undetermined quantity and value of cocaine,
marijuana, psilocybin (commonly known as magic mushrooms), ecstasy and
drug paraphernalia.

Police also confiscated shotguns, pellet guns, a handgun, swords,
knives, a doubled-headed axe and prohibited weapons including brass
knuckles and an expandable baton. Three vehicles and cash were also
seized.

"It's one of the most significant [drug busts]," said Constable
McKinley, who said the operation rivalled other major drug raids in
the city.