DRUG BARONS EYE CANADA

More Seek Refugee Status Here

Dozens of wealthy Colombians suspected of having ties to cocaine cartels
are filing refugee claims here to avoid arrest in that country, immigration
officials say.

More than 1,500 Colombians filed claims from January to June this year,
compared to 1,830 who claimed asylum all of last year, stated the
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Several IRB members have told The Sun that the well-heeled Colombians, who
include senior cartel bosses, claim they're being targeted and persecuted
by police or the rebel group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

But in fact, they're running from Colombia's new hardline president, Alvaro
Uribe, who has vowed to arrest those suspected of being involved in
corruption or coke cartels, board members said on condition of anonymity.

Uribe's threats have forced many rich Colombians, linked to the cartels, to
flee that country with their families and cash. FARC guerrillas attempted
to kill him during his swearing-in on Wednesday.

The RCMP said it's difficult to intercept suspected coke barons if they've
not been convicted of crimes in Colombia.

IRB spokesman Jacques Ayotte said about 77% of the Colombian claimants are
granted refugee status in Canada.