ORGANIZED CRIME LINK TO BUST

An alleged ring of Ladner cocaine traffickers got its supply from two
organized crime groups, the Delta police revealed at a press
conference Monday.

"We can say that some of the cocaine before you (seized) has been sold
by Asian organized crime and there are indications that some of the
cocaine came from the Hells Angels," said Supt. Brad Parker.

Delta police arrested six people and laid 39 charges in a five-month
undercover investigation dubbed Operation Big Wheels, which focused on
a highly-organized dial-a-dope operation in South Delta.

The group supplied 17- to 25 year-olds here with crack cocaine,
powered cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy, according to police.

Not only was the group allegedly trafficking drugs, but police say
evidence suggests there was a recruiting drive going on in an effort
to build the business.

"To the parents in the community, your son or daughter may not have
been first to be recruited in an operation such as this, but they may
have been next in line," Parker said.

All those arrested are from Ladner.

There were 10 to 15 drug runners operating under Cameron, police
contend.

Delta police, with assistance from New Westminster police, RCMP,
Vancouver police and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, used
undercover officers to infiltrate the dial-a-dope operation.

In the scheme, traffickers use cell phones to take calls from
customers who order a quantity of drugs. The drugs are then delivered
by runners, who also collect payment.

Police identified key players in operation, eventually targeting
Cameron, who is believed to be the ring leader.Cameron is facing
outstanding drug trafficking charges in a case dating back to 2001.

"Investigators carried out several planned and controlled drug
transactions resulting in sufficient evidence being gathered to secure
a search warrant," said media liaison officer Const. Sharlene Brooks.

Police executed that warrant at Cameron's residence in the 5000-block
of 59th Street on Sept. 14.

Officers seized 1.52 kg of cocaine, 13 grams of crack cocaine, 83
grams of marijuana and six ecstasy pills. The street value of the
drugs amounted to $124,520. Police also seized $11,000 in cash.