$1M COCAINE BUST 'ALARMS' CALGARY COPS

CALGARY -- The biggest seizure of cocaine in Calgary since 1994 illustrates
the growing presence of the drug in the city, police say.

Nine kilograms of cocaine with a street value exceeding $1 million was
seized from a downtown apartment and a northwest residence Dec. 12-13, said
cops.

"The quantity of drugs is alarming," Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux of the city
police drug unit said yesterday.

"(The thriving cocaine trade) is something we strive to stay on top of and
as we alter our strategies, so do the culprits."

It's the largest amount of cocaine seized in Calgary since 1994, when 10 kg
was taken off the street in a two-pronged operation, said Daroux.

The bust, resulting from a two-month investigation, also scooped five
handguns and semi-automatic versions of an Uzi submachine-gun and an AK-47
assault rifle.

All the firearms were loaded, police said.

"The weaponry shows the violence associated with the drug trade as well as
the profits to be reaped," Daroux said.

Jewelry worth an estimated $500,000, an undisclosed amount of cash and even
a vintage set of NHL hockey cards were also seized, as was a 1999 Cadillac.

A felt marker board allegedly covered with numbers from drug transactions
suggested the suspects have been busy plying their trade, Daroux said.

"There are indications there was 50 kg of cocaine distributed before we got
there."

Daroux said it's difficult to say what impact the bust will have on cocaine
trafficking in the city. But a detective who requested anonymity said the
raids will have a noticeable effect on supply.

"I think we've made a dent in the system on this one."