DRUG STING NETS MIDWAY WORKERS

Two Calgary Stampede midway ride operators have been charged with selling
drugs on the job.

The Drug Undercover Street Team, after receiving a complaint from a mother
on the Grounds, set up a sting operation.

"We received a complaint they were stoned and selling drugs to patrons,"
said Staff Sgt. John Middleton-Hope.

The pair were charged with drug trafficking and possession of marijuana for
the purpose of trafficking. One is a 17-year-old Calgarian who can't be
named under the Young Offenders Act. The other is Joshua Percy Morris, 22,
of Manitoba.

The bust was done with the co-operation of Conklin Shows.

John Gallant, guest relations manager for Conklin Shows, said the two
suspects, who were running the Bumper Boats ride, were immediately fired.

"If these guys were doing something bad, or something the police wanted
them for, we don't want them," said Gallant.

A background check was not done on the duo because they were only working a
10-day period and weren't handling cash.

Conklin has a policy of no alcohol or drug consumption on the job -- even
if employees are taking prescribed medication which causes drowsiness, they
will not be permitted to work.

The case is part of a disturbing trend of crime at the Stampede, despite
reduced attendance figures this year.

City police, who have a detachment on the Grounds, have laid more charges
in the first two days of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth than they did
in a six-day period last year.

Most charges involve public drunkenness, drug trafficking and assault.

Stampede official Dan Sullivan said police have done an excellent job of
ensuring the Grounds are safe.

He said police watch "for individuals prone to criminal activity and they
know who to watch for."

Copyright (c) 1998, Canoe Limited Partnership.