OPERATION TARNISH: THE GRIM REALITIES OF GANG LIFE REVEALED

In the wake of the murders of two more young people linked to drugs
and crime, an anti-gang prevention campaign being launched in
Abbotsford high schools today is more crucial than ever, says the
police officer behind the program.

Operation Tarnish is designed to take the shine off the attraction a
criminal organization might have for young people, says Sgt. Mike Novakowski.

"[The violence] is continuing and we want to bring those incidents to
the forefront and underscore the messaging to youth about the dangers
of the gang lifestyle."

The edgy prevention campaign will involve the release of a series of
hard-hitting posters that use street slang to engage youth, and get
them thinking about the consequences of dabbling in crime.

Although most teens know better, some youth are lured by the easy
money, fancy cars and notoriety that gang life supposedly provides,
said Novakowski.

"We're talking to a handful of youth who are attracted to this stuff.
The message is that all that glitters is not gold."

Young people on the lower echelons of the drug trade have tenuous
links to the gang, and may not even know who they are mixed up with,
Novakowski said, referring to murdered teens Joseph Randay and Dilsher Gill.

"Often the people at the bottom of the organization don't even know
who they are working for. And it's the ones at the lowest end taking
the greatest risks."

The first poster will be ready for the start of school today
(Tuesday) and about every month a new poster will be released.

Additionally, the department has produced a video and verbal
presentation for Abbotsford high schools.

The video will pull newscasts and images depicting the gang hits that
have recently occurred in the community.

In addition, Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich will be going into
schools to talk to students.

Board of Education Chair Cindy Schafer said the campaign builds on
warnings that Rich and the school district issued this spring to
Abbotsford youth about the dangers of gang involvement.

"This is the next phase," said Schafer.

"The board wants to support Chief Bob Rich's initiative and anything
that might prevent our young people getting involved in drugs and gangs."

Schafer believes the campaign is unprecedented in the district.

Although the posters and messages may be hard hitting, it may be the
only way police can get teens attention.

"We have to be realistic. If we soft sell the idea, obviously we're
not going to make the impact we know needs to be made."

A litany of violence

March 30: Sean (Smurph) Murphy, 21, is found shot to death in a car
in front of Bateman Park.

March 31: Nineteen-year-old Ryan (Whitey) Richard is discovered dead
in a grassy area behind a produce store at No. 3 and South Parallel
roads. Murphy and Richards were friends and involved in the drug trade.

May 1: W.J. Mouat students Joseph Randay, 18, and 17-year-old Dilsher
Gill are found murdered in a car on an isolated gravel road on Sumas
Mountain. Police won't reveal how they were killed, but say the two
were peddling drugs at a very low level.

June 30: A 36-year-old Jaswant "Billy" Rai, brother to NDP candidate
Bonnie Rai, is gunned down on Spallin Avenue in rural Abbotsford. The
victim had a limited criminal record which tied him to a number of
gang associates.

Aug. 28: Paul "Pockets" Johnathon Denis dies after being stabbed to
death at a Hopedale Avenue home.

Aug 29: The body of 23-year-old Jessica Illes, 23, is discovered in a
McConachie Place home by police following up on Bobby Gigeorgio's
murder. His body was found days earlier in a burned-out car in a
berry field. Investigators later determine the victims were a couple,
involved in serious criminal activity.