RCMP SEIZE 'LANDMARK' DRUG HOUSES

The RCMP have seized two notorious drug houses in Campbell River and
Port Hardy, the culmination of an investigation that lasted several
years.

RCMP said the drug house in Campbell River has been a "landmark" in
the drug world for 20 years and the subject of at least 14 search
warrants in the last decade.

The home in the 1900-block of 19th Avenue in Campbellton has attracted
prostitution and crime to the residential area, said Cpl. Brian Brown
of the Campbell River RCMP.

This is a residence that has been well-known in the Campbell River
community ... for generations," Brown said.

RCMP served the forfeiture documents and seized the mobile home that
sits in the driveway on Dec. 15, much to the ire of the homeowner,
64-year-old Julie Hansen, who can be seen yelling at officers in a
video posted on the RCMP website.

"This house is no problem," she shouts. "I'm not trafficking in the
house. I don't let people in except the odd girl that's crying at the
door."

Hansen was served an eviction notice and must be out of the house
within 30 days.

The home has been listed as a "problem property" since
2005.

In June and July 2008, RCMP conducted an undercover operation where
the officers purchased crack cocaine from the home's residents. Hansen
was arrested and pleaded guilty to drug possession, while 26-year-old
Charles LaFleur, who also sold drugs out of the home, pleaded guilty
to drug trafficking.

The Port Hardy home, located in the 6900-block of Nahwitti Avenue, has
been a problem for police since 2005.

At one point, RCMP conducted a search and seized small quantities of
cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, magic mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, a
rifle, ammunition and $25,700 in cash. Resident Tony Faulkner, 44, was
convicted of drug possession.

The investigations prompted the RCMP Federal Integrated Proceeds of
Crime Asset Forfeiture Unit to recommend the forfeitures of the two
properties based on the fact that the homes "exist for no other reason
than criminal activity," Brown said.

In a media release, Solicitor General Kash Heed said: "The successful
forfeiture of these latest two properties makes the neighbourhoods
safer for families and will help increase public safety across British
Columbia, as the proceeds of sale go right back into efforts to make
and keep communities safe."