INTERNATIONAL DRUG BUST NETS 13 IN FLORIDA AND CANADA

STUART, Fla. (AP-CP) - The indentities of four Canadians were released by
police Monday following the bust of a drug ring that smuggled marijuana
from Jamaica by boat to Florida then on to Canada in tractor trailers.

Authorities seized 3,000 kilograms of marijuana and about 540 kilograms of
hash oil from a sport-fishing boat that docked late Saturday behind a
waterfront home in Stuart, Fla. The drugs were believed to be destined for
New Brunswick.

Seven people were arrested at the boat in Stuart. U.S. Customs identified
two residents of Quebec City: Serge Joseph Lauzon, 40; and Annick Bertrand,
55.

All were to be charged with conspiracy, possession and intent to distribute
a controlled substance.

Customs also identified Sherre Lynn Dalton, 41, and Teah Marie Kay, 18,
both from Bucksport, Maine; Dewayne Owen Dalton, 26, of Stuart; and Steve
Douglas Heugel, 23, of Belmont, Mich.

Stuart is on Florida's east coast, about 56 kilometres north of Palm Beach.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, police conducted 19 searches, turning up large
quantities of cash in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Theo Savoie, 50, of Eel River Crossing, N.B., and Allain Doucette, 29, of
Balmoral, N.B., were arrested and face charges conspiring to import four
tonnes of hash oil and marijuana into Canada.

In Morin Heights, Que., about 60 kilometres northwest of Montreal, police
arrested a 67-year-old man they believe may be one of the ring leaders.

The investigation into the smuggling operation began in January, according
to Customs officials who worked with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

RCMP Sgt. Daniel Lemay said they dismantled the entire drug ring, which had
been in operation for several years.