RCMP TARGETS BUDDING POT BIZ

Trail Starts In B.C.

The RCMP has created a squad to crack down on the huge amounts of B.C. bud
marijuana and other drugs being smuggled across the country.

Mounties, in an operation called Project Jetway, are working to halt the
distribution of the home-grown dope nationwide using trains, trucks, buses,
domestic flights and small planes.

"We are working to curb domestic smuggling," RCMP Sgt. Joe McAllister said
yesterday. "We will target the movement of all types of drugs."

McAllister said Jetway officers arrested a passenger last weekend on a Via
Rail train arriving at Union Station from Alberta.

He said the man allegedly had about a kilo of marijuana, 50 grams of hash
and $4,500 in cash.

DRUG-SNIFFING DOG

He said the man was arrested aboard the train after being detected by a
Canada Customs drug-sniffing dog.

Police said the search was prompted by a tip.

Patrick LeFebvre, 27, is charged with possession of the proceeds of crime
and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In the past, the RCMP has said its greatest concern is the spread of B.C.
marijuana to cities across Canada.

The RCMP said tonnes of the dope are being smuggled nationwide daily in
transport trucks.

"B.C. bud is a popular thing these days," McAllister said. "It is being
smuggled to the east and west."

Police suspect the Hells Angels bike gang and Vietnamese hoodlums are
behind the growing and smuggling of the B.C. dope.