COKE MOTHER LODE

$1M Worth Of Drug Off Streets

Calgary's biggest seizure of cocaine in almost a decade illustrates
the growing presence of the drug in the city, say police.

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

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

"(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 a
Chinese-made AK-47 assault rifle.

All the firearms were loaded when confiscated with one of the suspects
carrying an armed Glock handgun, said police.

JEWELRY ALSO SEIZED

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

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

A half-kilogram each of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms were also
scooped.

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

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

RAIDS CRIMP SUPPLY

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," he
said.

He said police initially believed their target was a "fairly low-level
trafficker" -- a perception dispelled Dec. 12 when cops raided an
apartment in the 600 block of 9 St. S.W., where most of the drugs and
other items were found. That action led to police the following day to
a home in the 100 block of Arbour Lake Dr. N.W. where a smaller
quantity of drugs was found.