CHIEF EYES TOUGH LAWS IN GANG CRACKDOWN

Ottawa Police Chief Vince Bevan has thrown down the gauntlet and is
warning street gang members he'll use harsh and rarely used federal
gangsterism laws in a new crackdown he plans to announce today. Bevan
told the Ottawa Police Services Board last night that he has asked a
federal Crown prosecutor to investigate the recent arrests of members
of the so-called Banff-Ledbury Crips gang.

Weapons, Drugs

That gang's criminal activities were uncovered during the
investigation of the murder of Bashir Sahal last summer.

As police investigated the matter, they uncovered weapons, cash and
drugs.

"We will not tolerate gang violence and organized cocaine
trafficking," he said.

Under the new laws, originally designed for outlaw motorcycle gangs,
street gang members could see their prison sentences extended.

The offence applies to people who participate in or aid a gang in
criminal activities.

"That brings serious consequences," said Bevan.

Bevan's comments come as he prepares to show the public how one gang
has been operating in the city.

'Hard-Core'

He'll outline the activities at a morning news conference along with a
strategy on how the police, the community and the Crown prosecutor's
office can join to fight gang crime.

"We have approximately six hardcore street gangs operating in our
jurisdiction," he said. "We're not talking about the OC Transpo bunch."