POLICE HOPE TO KEEP A 'LID' ON BREWING SPRYFIELD DRUG WAR

Halifax Regional Police are looking to ensure "the lid stays on" a
drug war in the Spryfield area after several shots were fired in a
parking lot of Jessy's Pizza on Herring Cove Road late Monday afternoon.

Reports indicate the intended victim was Jimmy Melvin Sr., who was
released in 2006 after serving close to half of a 22-year sentence for
drug trafficking and assaulting a peace officer.

"Any time bullets fly, obviously we're concerned," HRP Const. Jeff
Carr said yesterday. "But I'm not going to comment on any names or
whether or not there is a rivalry (going on). There are always
on-going disputes in the drug trade."

Melvin wasn't hit by any bullets, but suffered minor injuries trying
to avoid them.

About an hour after Monday's shooting, Melvin's son, Jimmy Melvin Jr.,
arrived at the scene and later told reporters "There is no rats in the
Melvin family."

He followed that by shouting "death before dishonour," as the car he
was in drove away.

The Melvin family was alleged to have been in a feud with the Marriott
family after Wayne Nicholas Marriott was shot to death in Beechville
in June of 2006. Several businesses and homes were firebombed or shot
at following the killing, including this same Jessy's location, which
is reportedly owned by Jimmy Melvin Sr.'s wife.

"We'll do our best to make sure it doesn't" Carr said about any
possible retaliation. "Believe me, we're targeting those who we know
are involved in the criminal element."

Later Monday night, a Jeep Cherokee was lit on fire on Litchfield
Crescent in Spryfield. Carr wouldn't comment on whether this vehicle
was related to the shooting, but said it had been seized.

"There is a feeling this is not over," conceded area councilor Steve
Adams. "It's going to be some quite tense moments over the next little
while."