TAXES TRIP UP DOPE DEALER

The drug trade proved profitable for a city man who made a six-figure
salary while receiving student loans, a court heard yesterday.

But the law finally caught up with Michael David Boyes when he pleaded
guilty to four charges -- including tax evasion.

A forensic audit of Boyes' finances showed "Over this time period Mr. Boyes
received funds from unidentifiable sources of some $756,000," Crown
prosecutor Karen Molle told Justice Beth Hughes.

Over the same period Boyes received about $140,000 from identifiable
sources, such as student loans, Molle said.

"The explanation ... for the unidentifiable funds is ongoing drug
distribution," she said.

Along with the tax charge Boyes, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of
cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy to grow and distribute
marijuana and possession of drug crime proceeds.

In November 1999, Boyes was stopped at Calgary International Airport

"A bag that he was carrying was seized and a little bit over $105,000 in
cash was found," Molle said.

Six months later, while under surveillance, Boyes turned over 280 grams of
cocaine to a dealer for distribution.

The investigation also determined Boyes was involved in purchasing
marijuana in B.C. and selling it in Alberta and setting up grow operations
in homes in the Calgary area, said Molle.

The audit of his financial affairs showed Boyes made $693,162 in taxable
income which he failed to disclose on tax returns from 1995-99, she said.
During that period he evaded more than $180,000 in taxes.

At the request of defence lawyer Pat Fagan, Boyes remains on bail pending
his sentencing Feb. 18.