BROTHERS FACE DOZEN CHARGES AS HIGH-PROFILE TRIAL BEGINS

A high-profile trial began yesterday against two Winnipeg brothers charged
with more than a dozen offences, including cocaine trafficking,
money-laundering, conspiracy and possessing proceeds of crime.

Bekim and Mohammed Zeneli-- alleged to be the leaders of a local street
gang -- are reputed to have lived a Playboy-type lifestyle filled with fast
cars, expensive jewelry and loads of cocaine.

The trial, being heard by a judge alone, is expected to last one month.

Manitoba Justice authorized a rare direct indictment against the pair, who
have registered their alleged criminal organization as a legitimate
Manitoba business. Police and Justice officials say the Zenelis are behind
L.H.S, a fast-rising street gang whose name, police say, stands for
"loyalty, honour, silence" and is closely linked to the Hells Angels.

Police say the gang has been involved in several high-profile cases in
recent years, including the theft of a Winnipeg police gun and several
kidnappings.

The direct indictment -- which has only ever been used in Manitoba drug
cases a handful of times -- spared the Crown from exposing its evidence and
witnesses before trial. Indictments are usually only done in cases where
preservation of evidence and safety of witnesses is a concern. The charges
against the Zenelis relate to alleged incidents between May 2001 and March
2003 in Winnipeg, Vancouver and Moosomin, Sask., involving the movement of
cocaine through Western Canada and the financial benefits they allegedly
reaped.

The Zenelis claim they made their money in the concert promotion business
with their company, L.H.S. Inc., and not through drug sales. The proceeds
of crime charges involve the purchases of cars, Rolex watches and other
luxury items.

Bekim Zeneli claims LHS are initials from family members, not some gang mantra.