HAS IT BEEN WORTH IT?

The judge probably said it best.

"This is the closing of a distasteful episode in the history of the
Miramichi."

Many would agree with the sentiment expressed by provincial court
judge Stephen Hutchinson after he sentenced David and Josephine Black
for their role in a money laundering scheme connected to Operation
Jackpot.

It has been over four years since police from around the province
descended on Miramichi to take part in the takedown of Operation Jackpot.

It was a day that came about as a result of an 18-month joint force
investigation that investigated members of the Black family - brothers
David, Paul and Kevin - and their roles in overseeing numerous
marijuauna grow operations, the cultivation and trafficking of the
marijuana.

The takedown lead to numerous arrests, dismantling of the grow
operations. On that day, April 19, 2005, police officers posed with
bundles of money, bags of pills, and marijuana as they detailed the
takedown and the events leading up to it. Other officers opened the
back of rental trucks and held up "super" marijuana plants that were
found at the grow ops. The plants were as tall as Christmas trees and
had never been seen in this province before.

After the initial excitement of the bust - the takedown - it was
months before charges were laid against those involved. Then began the
long, long process of getting those considered the "ringleaders" to
trial.

It took three years to reach that point. First there were issues of
disclosure, obtaining lawyers, etc. It was delay after delay after
delay until the trial stage was reached. Some of those charged pled
guilty and were sentenced. Most served time in jail and a few received
house arrest.

Now that David Black and his mother have been sentenced, the chapter
on Operation Jackpot has been officially closed.

Or has it? Both David and Kevin have appealed their convictions on
marijuana cultivation and trafficking charges. There has been no
indication if the appeals will be heard or when.

So has it been worth it? Has the amount of money spent on first, a
lengthy investigation and second, court costs over four years been
worth it? Some would say no while others would say yes.

Were the sentences handed down to those convicted worth the time and
effort.

Only time will tell.