COPS SNARE DRUG-BUST FUGITIVE

Victoria police have arrested the missing member of an alleged drug
ring that linked Canada's east and west coasts.

Eight of 13 people charged in a major four-month drug sting in
Newfoundland this week were Victoria residents. Seven are in custody,
but until Wednesday night, [name redacted], was at large.

Hauge was found at a downtown motel just before 10:30 p.m. Officers
from Victoria police's patrol division and the Greater Victoria
weapons and tactical response team, known as the Emergency Response
Team, arrested [name redacted] without incident.

In the Newfoundland bust, police seized more than nine kilograms of
cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of marijuana and about $500,000 in cash.

Brass knuckles, drug-processing paraphernalia, jewelry, a money
counter, stun gun and vacuum seal machine were also seized, police
said. One of the six vehicles seized in the drug sweep was a Toyota
SUV with B.C. plates that had been modified to include a concealed
compartment in the rear section.

Const. Paul Davis, the Newfoundland force's spokesman, said this is
the first investigation that has found drug ties between B.C. and
Newfoundland, and the first time the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
has laid charges related to organized crime. The Newfoundland force
first became aware of a new crime organization operating in the St.
John's area in September, he said.

Victoria police's Strike Force Unit assisted in Project Razorback,
initiated by the RNC in concert with Labrador and Newfoundland RCMP.
Saanich, Richmond and Vancouver police forces were also involved.
"Their contribution was absolutely required for the success of the
investigation," said Davis.

Victoria police are arranging to escort Hauge to Newfoundland.