RESIDENTS CHARGED IN DRUG RAIDS

Four Burlington residents are among nine area people charged following
a series of drug raids by multi-jurisdictional law enforcement agencies.

Halton police say warrants executed in a trio of towns last Thursday
morning, in Burlington, Oakville and Stoney Creek, resulted in the
discovery of three suspected marijuana grow operations and more than
$180,000 worth of drugs and cash being seized.

More than 80 police officers from Halton, Hamilton, the Provincial
Biker Enforcement Unit and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit
participated in the co-ordinated operation.

The investigation was initiated by the provincial Biker Enforcement
Unit, a joint forces unit that investigates members and associates of
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. The BEU didn't turn up any motorcycle gang
members, say Halton police.

Halton police has two officers dedicated to the BEU. Halton drug and
morality squad officers continued the most recent investigation and
obtained the warrants. The three alleged marijuana grow operations
were discovered in homes on Glenwood School Drive in Burlington and
Cobbler Lane and Wales Crescent in Oakville.

A total of 120 pot plants were seized with an estimated street value
of $120,000. Other items taken from the various locations included 43
lbs. of cut marijuana valued at $22,000, 10 lbs. of hashish worth
$40,000, a small amount of cocaine, a shotgun, two rifles, a
switchblade and $1,120 in cash.

Halton police say several houses included in the raid were owned and
rented out by a 43-year-old Burlington man, who was charged with
possession of marijuana, possession for the purposes of trafficking,
producing a controlled substance, unsafe storage of a firearm,
possession of a firearm without a licence and possession of a
prohibited weapon.

Also charged from Burlington are a 52-year-old man and 52-year-old
woman, who face several counts each of drug production and possession
for the purpose of trafficking, and a 34-year-old Burlington man,
facing similar charges plus possession of cocaine.

Four other adults from Oakville and one from Stoney Creek were also
charged with various drug-related offences.