ALLEGED DRUG CHOPPER GROUNDED

Nelson RCMP helped seize a helicopter used for drug trafficking across
the Canada-US boarder.

The black Bell 206B Jet Ranger is same style as the one flown by
Nelson man Sam Brown when he was caught in an anti-trafficking
operation that led to his arrest and subsequent suicide.

Sergeant Dennis Blanch of the RCMP Border Integrity Program in Nelson
did not wish to comment on whether it was indeed the same helicopter.

"That [operation] is an active file awaiting charge approval, so I
can't speak on that," he explained.

But he did say that RCMP had been following the aircraft since Aug.
2008 and it was known to be used repeatedly to for smuggle marijuana
and cocaine over the boarder.

U.S. officers arrested Brown Feb. 23, 2009 in Washington. The
helicopter he was flying was initially seized by police, but then
found to be stolen property and returned to Gorge Timber Corp. in
Malakwa, B.C.

Blanch said in the time RCMP were following the seized helicopter it
was known to have moved between at least five municipalities in the
east and west kootenay, and kept in rural location under makeshift
cover.

It had been reported flying south towards the boarder in low light
conditions and returning shortly after at least 10 times in the
year-and-a-half RCMP tracked it.

The aircraft was finally seized in Silverton on Jan. 23, the day after
the Supreme Court of B.C. passed an order allowing RCMP to seize
property used for criminal activity.

It was the first time Blanch's unit was successful in seizing a
helicopter used in trafficking.

"We want the courts to hit criminals right in the wallet and, in this
case, take away an expensive asset that assists them in trafficking,"
said Blanch.

Though he admitted it was a small dent in the profit-driven drug
trade. The helicopter was in desperate need of repair and probably
worth only $200,000.

"A pound of high grade BC bud sells for $3,500 to $4,000 and the
helicopter carries nearly 400 pounds in one load," Blanch explained.
"That helicopter paid for itself many times over."

Still, he hopes the seizure sends a message to criminals involved in
smuggling drugs that police can and will take away their assets.

"We are aware of a number of similar trafficking operations and we
will continue to seize property," Blanch warned. "We can use the
public's help in reporting suspicious activity."

Helicopters used in drug rings often fly in low light around the tree
line. If you would like to offer an anonymous tip to police, call
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.