B.C. MAN GETS 18-YEAR SENTENCE FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS WORLDWIDE

VANCOUVER -- The RCMP say a Vancouver man will be behind bars for
almost two decades after being sentenced for his role in an
international drug smuggling ring.

Police say Yong Long Ye's illicit activities stretched to several
countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan
and India.

Supt. Pat Fogarty, of the RCMP's Combined Forces Special Enforcement
Unit, said Friday Ye was operating wherever he could fetch the best
price for drugs.

"One down and a thousand more to go," Fogarty said of the year-long
investigation that involved several police agencies around the globe.

He said Ye didn't belong to a particular group but went where the
money was.

"The way things are developing the trend seems to be acquisition of
markets worldwide wherever they can fetch the best price."

Ye was given an 18-year prison sentence in B.C. Supreme Court for
producing and exporting methamphetamine, importing and trafficking
cocaine and laundering the proceeds of crime.

Fogarty said the province will also move to seize or forfeit several
properties and assets worth millions of dollars.

He said 18 other people were allegedly involved in the smuggling
scheme and some haven't yet been before the courts.