POLICE SAY STREETS SAFER AFTER DOZENS ARRESTED FOR DRUGS

Police say Cape Breton just got a lot safer after a series of
dramatic, co-ordinated raids resulted in dozens of arrests Friday.

Chief Myles Burke of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service held an
afternoon press conference and announced that 53 people will be
arrested for drug-related offences, marking the conclusion of a
five-month investigation, called Operation Nightrider, believed to be
one of the largest street-level drug operations ever conducted in Cape Breton.

"This operation has led to a number of arrests and search warrrants
in the Glace Bay area, New Waterford, Sydney, North Sydney, Sydney
Mines, Membertou and other communities outside the jurisdiction of
the CBRM," Burke said.

" The accused in the investigation include 45 males and eight
females, ranging in age from 17 to 58 years of age."

About mid-afternoon, about 35 were in custody already, he said.

"As of today's date (Friday) we will be laying 160 charges against
the controlled drugs and substances act, including primarily charges
of trafficking, possession or the purpose of trafficking and possession."

As well, 51 charges will be laid under the criminal code including
breach of probation, breach of undertakings, robbery and break and
enter, he added. Burke said 80 police officers, assisted by staff
from a number of agencies throughout the province, were involved in
the operation.

Drugs seized as a result of the operation include marijuana, hash
oil, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and prescription medication
including oxycodone, Percocet, Dilaudid, morphine, hydromorphine and Valium.

Burke estimated $100,000 in drugs were purchased at street level.

" We have seen everything here from small-time street-level dealing
to some people we feel are connected to some very serious organized
groups dealing with drug distribution," he said, adding the arrests
will have a significant impact on area communities.

" This is a large amount of people taken from a variety of
communities, trafficking in narcotics."

Assets were also being seized under proceeds of crime legislation
including vehicles, flat-screen televisions, and more.

People are fed up with drugs in their community, Burke said.

"For example, in New Waterford, officers there this morning said the
citizens were blowing horns, clapping and shaking hands. They had
enough, they want to take back their community and want us to assist them."

Burke said the investigation will continue with other agencies
including the Safer Communities enforcement group and officials with
RCMP tobacco tax and proceeds of crime units and Service Nova Scotia.

Burke also said the operation raises other concerns in the community,
such as the need for addiction support services and a federal drug court.

" This would be an ideal location given some of the challenges we are
dealing with."

The Cape Breton Post witnessed the takedown of several residences in
the New Waterford area.

Shortly before 7 a.m. police executed a search warrant at the
residence of John Parr at 3665 Emerald St.

As Parr was led out his front door in handcuffs, he continued to puff
on a cigarette while glaring at media.

At least four vehicles were seized and towed from the property
including a truck and a sports car.

Simultaneously police executed a search warrant at a twostorey house
at 3793 Ellsworth Ave.

As police spread out over the property, a motorist driving by rolled
down his window and yelled, 'It's about time.'