ARSENAL RAISES FEAR OF ARMED DRUG TRADE

The skull-adorned axe and eagle-head sword had the flavour of
Halloween, but RCMP say the seizure of assault rifles, swords and
gang patches sends a chilling message about an armed city drug trade.

"These guys meant business," said Insp. Yves Lacasse, who showed
reporters Monday an arsenal that is becoming increasingly common as
drug dealers arm themselves for confrontation.

Amid the two AK-47-copy assault rifles, $35,000 worth of cocaine and
$17,000 in cash was a jacket bearing the words "Redd Alert," the name
of an aboriginal street gang in Alberta.

Two men, a 31 year old of Kamloops, and a 26 year old of Chase, are
charged with 29 firearms-related crimes in addition to drug charges
after a raid on a Fortune Drive house Oct. 30.

They were arrested upon leaving the house. The 31 year old is in
custody while the 26 year old has been released pending a court appearance.

Since January this year, Kamloops police have seized 174 rifles and
shotguns, 22 handguns, 25 prohibited weapons and 1,500 rounds of ammunition.

"We've confiscated a substantial increase in handguns and other
firearms from drug dealers in Kamloops. Drug dealers are arming
themselves from attack by other drug dealers," Lacasse said.

The arsenal seized at the North Kamloops house also included a .44
magnum handgun, cane swords adorned with eagles and skulls, crossbows
and hunting rifles. Ammunition for the assault rifles and handguns
was also seized.

Lacasse said two military-style flak jackets superior in
bullet-stopping ability to police vests were also found in the house.

Kamloops Mounties are targeting the drug trade, which is responsible
for property crime and violence. While police did not indicate a
relationship between the Fortune Drive seizure and killing of Gary
Cavanagh last month, Lacasse said the common denominator is drugs.

"There's a connection between the deceased and illegal drug activity.
We know there's people with information on the death of Gary Cavanagh."

Since January, Kamloops police have seized $700,000 worth of illegal
drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana and
ecstasy, in the course of 300 drug investigations.