POLICE BUST CRACK RING

Four Arrested in City Apartment

CITY police believe they eliminated one of the main crack cocaine
rings in Winnipeg that allegedly were responsible for putting multiple
kilos of the addictive drug on the street each week.

Police seized almost four kilos of the drug on May 4 when they raided
an apartment at Webb Place to find the suspects in the middle of a
"cook," Winnipeg police organized crime unit Sgt. Rick Guyader said
Friday.

Police arrested four people and are looking for a fifth in connection
to the seizure.

An arrest warrant for a number of Controlled Drug and Substances Act
offences has been issued for [redacted].

Guyader also said this is not the first time police have dealt with
some of the suspects. He described them as one of three cells in the
city allegedly behind much of the crack on city streets.

On Feb. 23, 2005, drug officers seized almost $140,000 in cash that
was set to be shipped to Vancouver -- money the police believe was
payment for as much as 15 kilos of cocaine destined for sale on
Winnipeg streets. Officers also seized two handguns, ammunition, a
pair of stun guns and a bullet-proof vest.

Guyader said despite that seizure it appears the suspects went right
back to work.

"The market in Winnipeg is for crack," Guyader said, as he explained
how it's made from powdered cocaine. "Crack is definitely the No. 1
drug of choice on the streets of Winnipeg."

Dealers usually sell it by the quarter gram for $20, and Guyader said
there doesn't appear to be any shortage of supply. With a kilo of
cocaine selling for $18,000 to $20,000 on the West Coast, the profits
are huge when cut or diluted with easily available procaine or
benzocaine and made into rock-hard crack.

[redacted] has been charged with conspiracy to commit an
indictable offence, production of a controlled substance, possessing a
substance for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking a controlled
drug or substance.

[redacted] face similar charges.

A fourth man was arrested May 22 and also faces similar charges. He
was released on a promise to appear and his name was not released.

Police ask if anyone has information on [redacted] to call the organized
crime unit at 986-3916 or Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.