DRUG TIES SUSPECTED IN KIDNAP OF CITY MAN

A Calgary man who was kidnapped and held for ransom this week knew his
attackers and was likely involved in the drug trade, says a city police
officer.

The 30-year-old was likely going to be killed if he didn't produce a
"significant" amount of money, said Staff Sgt. Tom Marriott, commander of
the Calgary police robbery unit.

"We theorize that it could have gone really bad for the victim," said
Marriott. "(They) were after him for money."

The victim was forced into a van at gunpoint Wednesday night in the 2300
block of Barlow Trail N.E.

Unknown to the kidnappers, witnesses had already called police and the man
was located near Banff several hours later.

Police and members of the Banff RCMP drew their guns, stopped the vehicle
and arrested three men inside.

The victim was unharmed.

"It's safe to say they're acquainted, but I wouldn't say they are friends,"
said Marriott. "There's a good chance that there's drug undertones to this."

Gregory Allan Merrett, 44, Donald Norman Walker, 24, and Richard Douglas
Noel, 26, all of B.C., have been charged with kidnapping, unlawful
confinement, extortion and possession of a restricted weapon in connection
with the incident. Walker has also been charged with using a firearm during
the commission of an offence.

Calgary police are to contact officials in the Lower Mainland to further
their investigation into the kidnapping.