PRE-DAWN RAIDS NET 65 ARRESTS

'We Have Your Number,' Councillor Warns Gang Members

Police declared war on one of the most notorious street gangs in
Scarborough today after hundreds of police officers raided the homes,
businesses and storage units of suspected gang leaders. Sixty-five
people were arrested, and over 500 charges laid.

Malvern Crew gang was basically decapitated, said Toronto police Chief
Julian Fantino. They have been terrorizing the Malvern community of
Scarborough for the past several months, police said.

"It's a good day for the good guys and a great day for the citizens of
our communities," declared Durham police chief Kevin McAlpine, who
attended a press conference today at Toronto police headquarters,
along with Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter and Scarborough
councillor Michael Thompson.

Police from Durham, Toronto and the OPP carried out 71 search warrants
in a series of co-ordinated pre-dawn raids. In at least one case a
home's contents were dumped outside as police pored over everything
from computer files to garbage bags.

Officers have recovered 28 firearms, along with a quantity of
drugs.

A total of 65 people allegedly connected to the Malvern Crew were
arrested and officers laid over 500 charges, including conspiracy to
commit murder, participation in a criminal organization and various
gun and drug offences.

Fantino, who praised new strategies and the co-ordination of several
police forces, said the efforts have cut into the "heart and soul" of
the gang members. "We're going to dismantle them," he vowed.

The investigation, dubbed Project Impact, started 14 months ago and
continues.

During one raid, a suspect entered a Scarborough LRT station, forcing
the line to stop running while members of the Emergency Task Force
chased and caught him. The line was back up and running by
mid-morning.

Kwinter lauded the efforts of the various forces for attacking "the
scourge that is being perpetrated across many of our
communities."

Fantino said the action is proof of his commitment to root out guns
and gangs in Toronto.

The chief said the members of the Malvern community are an important
part of the action plan.

Fantino said police will meet community members tonight at 7 at Lester
B. Pearson Collegiate, at 150 Tapscott Rd.

Attorney General Michael Bryant said his officials worked very closely
with the Toronto police in the weapons raids this morning.

"Our (crown prosecutors) have been working very closely with the
police on this investigation," Bryant told CFTO News today.

"What's happening today is the guns-and-gangs approach that this
government is moving forward on with crowns and police working
together ... dedicated, expert, experienced crown prosecutors working
with the best in the police to crack down on these gangs and get the
guns."

Thompson (Ward 37, Scarborough Centre) had words of warning to the
other gang members who have been shooting up the Scarborough
community: "We're going to get you. Will not tolerate this continuous
violence in our city. Your days are numbered."

He said council will keep working with the police on Mayor David
Miller's community safety plan to usher in a new era of peace in
Scarborough. This plan is designed to help those who are willing to
help themselves in getting employment and turning away from drugs and
street violence.