SPRING DRUG SWEEP

Cops Nab 51 Suspected dealers in citywide operation

Police busted 51 accused dial-a-dopers in a massive Edmonton drug
sweep, but a "large number" are already back on the street.

"Dial-a-dopers are everywhere," Staff Sgt. Greg Preston said
yesterday. "They're the ones selling drugs in front of your house; in
front of your shopping centres."

The "large number" of suspected pushers have been released on bail
conditions.

Still, Preston said, charging the alleged bottom-of-the barrel dealers
plays a significant role in helping weaken the seedy drug world's
chain-of-command.

"Distraction and disruption is part of our tactic," Preston
said.

"It's not that the (dial-a-doper) concept is that novel.

"It's just pervasive. It's everywhere."

15 TO 44

Ranging in age from 15 to 44, police said the accused dealers were
snapped up in all corners of the city following a probe lasting three
weeks.

Yesterday's drug sweep announcement came after community concerns
prompted the creation of Project Geld, an initiative that involved
cops from Edmonton's drug and gang units.

More than 120 criminal charges, mostly related to trafficking, were
laid.

Project Geld members also seized more than $14,500 in
cash.

Police also hauled away an assortment of drugs - including 205 grams
of cocaine.

Six vehicles were also seized under the Victim Restitution and
Compensation Act.

"This is serious," Preston told reporters gathered outside police
headquarters downtown.

"We do take it very seriously."

But for those on the other side of the law, he said, swindling drugs
appears to have its perks.

Young people in particular could be lured into the drug trap with the
promise of fast and easy cash, Preston said.

Of the 51 people charged, nearly all were younger than
30.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Though many are now back on the streets, Preston said he still felt a
sense of accomplishment in helping make the enormous sweep.

"Have we made some sort of impact?" he said.

"I like to think we have."

This wasn't the first time city cops have arrested people suspected of
pedalling drugs over the telephone.

Last June, a four-month police sting operation targeting dial-a-dopers
in the west end resulted in 22 people being arrested. Arrest warrants
were issued for a dozen others.

In that case, police laid 127 charges - including 53 drug-related
offences - against the suspected drug traffickers.