CRIME GROUPS EXTEND REACH, PROMPTING NEW TURF WARS

HALIFAX - Organized crime groups are extending their reach across Canada by
merging with other outlaw gangs, using more sophisticated technology to
conduct fraud and expanding lucrative marijuana grow operations, says a new
intelligence report.

Mobs and bike gangs continue to rank as the most active criminal
organizations as they move into high-tech money-laundering pursuits and
increase their involvement in illicit marijuana cultivation, says the
document prepared by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada.

"The highest level of criminal organizations are involved in this and there
are huge amounts of money being made," RCMP Commissioner Giuliano
Zaccardelli said Friday after releasing the report in Halifax.