GANG TASK FORCE GETS $1M BOOST

Much Of New Funding From Crime Proceeds

MANITOBA police happily accepted a $1-million provincial investment in
their organized gang operations yesterday, much of it coming from the
pockets of criminals they've already put away. Justice Minister Gord
Mackintosh announced the investment in the Organized Crime Task Force
yesterday. The task force is a partnership of Winnipeg police and
Manitoba RCMP, with assistance from Brandon Police when necessary,
that works to combat the growing presence of gangs like the Hells
Angels in the province.

Winnipeg police Supt. Gordon Schumacher said he thinks the police are
finally winning the war, largely due to the task force.

"One thing I can tell you for sure is we now have processes in place
to ensure the organized criminals in Manitoba are looking over both
shoulders," he said. "That's a good thing. They need to do that
because we're coming very close to them, and this money is helping us
do that."

More than half the investment -- $600,000 -- comes from the Proceeds
of Crime Trust Fund. The fund was created in 1996, when Ottawa agreed
to give the province a portion of money recovered from seized or
forfeited property and assets associated with criminal activities. The
agreement requires the money be used for victim services or law
enforcement.

"I think it's important these funds be turned around and directed
against their source," Mackintosh said. Another $400,000 of provincial
money will go to a task force reserve fund to help pay for various
operations.

Manitoba RCMP Chief Supt. Bill Robinson said the money allows the task
force more flexibility to operate.

The unit was created in 2003, and its most high-profile case was the
recent raid and shutdown of a North American crystal methamphetamine
ring in which Winnipeg police played a central role.

Schumacher said having a reserve fund to draw on will help the task
force fulfil its mandate.

"There are some unique situations that arise and we need resources to
draw upon, outside the normal resources

available." Tory justice critic Gerald Hawranik sloughed off the
announcement.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's just the crumbs on the table," Hawranik
said. He said the proceeds of crime trust should give police a
constant stream of cash.