COCAINE CALLS CUT OFF

Dial-A-Dealer Phones Seized in Sweep

Sixteen people were rounded up by the Winnipeg police street crime
unit during a three-month drug sweep targeting dial-a-dealer networks,
which peddled cocaine all over the city, a spokesman said yesterday.

Cancel Numbers

Investigators hit the alleged street-level dealers where it hurts
using a unique method to disrupt them -- temporarily, at least -- and
try to sever their ties with a well-established customer base, said
Const. Jeffrey Norman.

Police worked with the federal Crown and cellphone providers to cancel
the suspects' cell numbers, said Norman, a member of the street crime
unit.

The cellphones were seized by police, meaning the alleged dealers, who
were part of three dial-a-dealer networks, may have lost valuable
contact information for clients.

"This, accompanied with a driver's licence, is the most important tool
of their trade," Norman said of the cellphone.

Officers also seized cocaine, alleged proceeds of sales, and five
vehicles allegedly used to transport drugs.

Norman said the project is the first of its kind in Manitoba, given
the type of investigative techniques used. Police would not reveal
those techniques.

Norman said the drug networks were "organized but not organized
crime." The investigation began in February after several citizens
complained about drug deals.

Some of the cell numbers were in use for more than five years, Norman
said.

Police seized the alleged dealers' cellphone records, learning more
than 60,000 phone calls were received or made between February and
May.

"Do the math at how busy they are," Norman said.

The records revealed customers' phone numbers.

Customers

Almost all of the 16 people arrested as part of Project Scan are
alleged dealers but a couple were customers, Norman said.

Each suspect is barred from possessing or using a cellphone until
their charges are resolved, he said.

One of the unique things about the suspects is none is addicted to
cocaine, Norman said.

"They did it for profit, preying on people with addictions," he
said.

No neighbourhood was immune from the activity. The dealers' reach
extended beyond the city's core to the suburbs -- St. James,
Royalwood, Linden Woods and elsewhere, Norman said.