KERR STREET DRUG SWEEP

Police Target Street-Level Cocaine Dealers

The Halton Regional Police have wrapped up a three-month investigation
targeting cocaine and crack cocaine drug dealers in Oakville --
particularly Kerr Street. During the operation police discovered
people were coming from Peel Region and other parts of Halton to buy
drugs from dealers on Kerr Street.

The investigation by the Halton Regional Police Regional Drug and
Morality Bureau resulted in the arrest of nine people for numerous
offences and the seizure of thousands of dollars of illegal drugs.

Police also believe they have cut into the supply of illegal drugs
sold on Kerr Street.

The probe was initiated after police, over a period of time,
identified certain drug trafficking areas in Oakville based on police
calls for service, officers' observations and community concerns.

Last year's shooting outside the Double Diamond bar on Kerr Street was
determined to be drug related.

The Drug Bureau and the Oakville District Street Crime Unit launched
the street level drug project months ago in response to concerns drug
dealers were conducting business in and around a number of licenced
establishments in the Kerr Street area.

None of the drug deals, however, occurred in these establishments,
said the police.

During the course of the undercover operation, police observed that
the majority of the customer base was from outside Oakville, with
people - teenagers to 40-year olds - coming from other areas of Halton
and Peel Regions. Prices range from $75 - $100 for a gram of cocaine,
or $100 for a gram of crack cocaine. Halton drug officers have also
noted that the use of cocaine has been increasing with high school
aged teens.

The project was intended to eradicate street level drug dealing, and
resulted in the arrest of nine Oakville residents. The seizures of
$6,000 to $7,000 worth of cocaine led to 35 trafficking charges under
the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Police were also involved with the Liquor Inspectors of the Alcohol
and Gaming Commission to address liquor concerns.

Among those charged was a 17-year old Oakville female who was selling
drugs on behalf of her boyfriend.

The names of those charged have not been released by police for fear
of compromising ongoing investigations.

The identification of these drug dealers has resulted in the reduced
supply of cocaine and crack cocaine in this area of Oakville, say police.

Three other charges related to a weapons offence and breaches of
recognizance were also laid.

Police also seized a car that will be held pending the outcome of the
court process. Police are continuing to monitor these areas in support
of ongoing investigations.

Anyone with information on any drug issues in Halton Region is asked
to call police at 905-825-4777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477).