POLICE SEIZE 405 KG OF POT

Weigh-Scale Staff Spot Huge Load

HIGHWAY inspectors led Falcon Lake RCMP to a massive marijuana bust
that is believed to be one of the largest in Manitoba in recent years.

About 405 kilograms (about 900 pounds) of harvested, packaged
marijuana -- with an estimated street value of $2.3 million -- was
found hidden inside the cargo of an eastbound semi-trailer truck
around 12:30 p.m., about 160 kilometres east of Winnipeg.

A highways inspector, conducting a routine commercial vehicle
inspection at the West Hawk scales, initially came across what he
believed to be boxes containing marijuana.

The inspector contacted the RCMP and a search warrant was
obtained.

It's the latest in a string of drug seizures at the trucking weigh
scales on the Ontario-Manitoba border in recent years.

"It's the biggest seizure ever for our detachment," said Const. David
Pateman. "It's a significant amount ... It'll obviously affect
someone's criminal enterprise somewhere along the line." Pateman
credited inspectors for discovering the illegal load.

"A lot of times they'll notice things that seem out of place," he
said. "Their job is to inspect the cargo and to ensure everything is
in order. And sometimes they come across drugs."

A 37-year-old Brampton, Ont., man, the only person in the truck, was
arrested and faces charges of drug-trafficking.

He was released on a promise to appear in court in October.

Police said the load originated in British Columbia and was destined
for the Toronto area.

Pateman said although the investigation is continuing, there is no
indication the drugs are linked to organized crime. Truck inspectors
and RCMP have seized roughly 1,500 kilograms of marijuana at the weigh
scale in the past year.

Also, 37 kilos of cocaine with an estimated value of $6 million were
found in a truck there in January.