BIG BUCKS IN BORDER BUSTS

Gang Assets Net $900Gs For RCMP From U.S.

U.S. authorities have dished out more than $900,000 Cdn this year to the
RCMP as part of gang assets seized from cross-border criminal activity.

Mounties were handed a cheque this week for $350,000 Cdn from U.S. Customs
for their role in smashing a Canada-U.S. drug ring, and the forfeiture of
goods and vehicles.

5 Arrested

U.S. Customs spokesman Michael Bridgeman said the funds are part of
$783,600 Cdn seized in a probe into the smuggling of cocaine, marijuana and
pseudo-ephedrine, an ingredient for making methamphetamine.

Bridgeman said five people were arrested during the two-year probe in which
drugs were smuggled from Canada to the U.S. at a border crossing at
Montreal-Rouses Point, N.Y.

"We have been doing a lot of work with U.S. police," said RCMP Supt. Garry
Clement, of the force's proceeds of crime unit. "The U.S. is one of our
strongest allies."

Police said the gang assets were auctioned off with the proceeds divided
among investigating agencies. Montreal police were given $18,000 Cdn, New
York State cops received $131,000 US, and Plattsburgh officers $73,500 US.

Clement said the RCMP funds will go into government coffers. Officers are
now seizing millions in undeclared cash entering Canada as payment for
large amounts of B.C. bud marijuana being shipped down south.

"We're seeing a reverse flow of cash," Clement said. "This flow is becoming
quite a trend today."

Smuggling Proceeds

Police said cross-border crime gangs are also involved in the smuggling and
resale of cigarettes, booze and firearms. Fran Gershberg, of the public
works department, said Canadian police received $785,500 from U.S.
authorities last year.