COASTAL WATCH PROGRAM ACTIVE IN ONTARIO

TORONTO, June 8 /CNW/ Over the summer months local area Canadian and
American agencies will be undertaking a cooperative enforcement effort
with the view of proactively investigating smuggling activities on
Lake Ontario.

The following agencies will be involved;

Canada Coast Guard
Canada Customs
Toronto Police Service Marine Unit
Peel Regional Police Marine Unit
Hamilton/Halton Police Marine Unit
RCMP Toronto West/Toronto East/Air Services/Telecoms/Police Dog
United States Coast Guard
United States Border Patrol
Niagara County Sheriff's Office
United States Customs Services

Members from these services will be on Lake Ontario and on shore (U.S. and
Canadian side) monitoring vessels travelling between Canada and the U.S.

Every year our waterways are used to smuggle drugs, people and other
commodities between Canada and the US. Smuggling is big business and
often involves many people and a lot of money and equipment.
Fortunately, such large scale operations can be readily detected by
those familiar with normal marine activity.

The Coastal Watch Program, in the fight against drug importation and
illegal smuggling, want to enlist the eyes and ears of people in
coastal communities. The program goal is two fold:

- - To teach people what to look for, and

- - To help them effectively transmit any information to the appropriate
law enforcement agency.

If you are a recreational or professional boater, fuel dock attendant,
or vessel broker, or if you live or work near the water, you can play
a vital role in the Coastal Watch Program. By reporting suspicious or
illegal activities, you can help cut the flow of illegal drugs and
other commodities into our communities.

How can you get involved ?

If you see anything suspicious or learn about any illegal activity
related to drug importation, people or commodity smuggling by water,
please:

Call the Coastal Watch Province Wide contact number 1 (800) 387-0020.