ALLEGED DRUG RINGLEADER WILL REMAIN IN CUSTODY

Three out of seven people charged in a major drug and money laundering
raid two weeks ago, including alleged Ottawa ringleader, Mai Le, 38,
were denied bail yesterday following a five-day hearing.

After hearing evidence and submissions, Justice of the Peace Louisette
Girault ordered the release of four defendants -- three men accused of
running a multi-site marijuana growing operation in Ottawa, and Ms.
Le's brother's commonlaw wife, Hong Tieu.

Ms. Girault ordered Ms. Le, her sister, Dung Le, and her brother, Teun
Le, detained pending the outcome of the charges.

A publication ban covers evidence heard, submissions by lawyers and
Ms. Girault's reasons for decision in the bail hearing.

Despite being ordered released, Ms. Tieu is being held in custody
because, along with Ms. Le, she also faces extradition to the U.S. in
connection with the raids. The women will make court appearances
Monday in their extradition cases.

The cross-border sweep targeted a drug trafficking ring police allege
supplied 15 per cent of the drug ecstasy consumed in the U.S. Almost
200 people were charged, including 49 in Ottawa, where police also
raided eight marijuana growing operations.

Police allege the ring's millions in profits were laundered by Ms. Le
in Ottawa -- using money transfer businesses she controlled -- and
sent overseas. Most of the others face drug charges for allegedly
running marijuana grow operations around the city. These include eight
that were shut down during the raids.