SEIZURE OF CITY POOL HALL MAKES LEGAL HISTORY

In a Canadian legal first, the federal government yesterday seized
ownership of a Winnipeg pool hall that was used as a front for an elaborate
cocaine operation shut down by city police earlier this year.

Dawn Marie Deane, 49, forfeited her $70,000 interest in Old Joe's Sports
Lounge and Deli at 1410 Main St. under new proceeds of crime legislation
that carries a stiff financial penalty for convicted criminals.

Deane, who is the sister of local Hells Angels member Bernie Dubois, was
also sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to being the
mastermind behind the drug ring.

She blamed an onset of menopause for leading her into a criminal lifestyle.

Crown attorney Chris Mainella said the case marks the first time in Canada
that government has taken over a business used for criminal activity.

Previously, only homes and vehicles could be targets. "You are going to see
more of this, where the federal government gets involved in the commercial
real estate business," said Mainella.

"The rules of the game are changing, and the message is clear. The federal
government will aggressively pursue property used for drug deals."

Deane and three men were arrested in March following a nine-month
undercover investigation by Winnipeg police, dubbed Operation Eight-Ball,
which is a term used in the drug trade to describe a quantity of cocaine.

An officer posing as a black market cigarette dealer managed to gain the
trust of a frequent customer of Old Joe's and infiltrate the drug
operation, said Mainella.

What he found was a booming business, where pool and pizza were
non-existent, he said. Ironically, it was located near the constituency
office of Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh. As MLA, Mackintosh had
objected to the pool hall's liquor licence.

"The management really had no interest in running a good restaurant or pool
hall. It was simply a front," said Mainella. The undercover officer made 39
separate purchases of crack cocaine, including several off Deane, who would
only take a hands-on approach when her regular dealers were too busy, he said.

Business was booming, with the officer sometimes having to wait in line to
buy drugs, he said.

More than $40,000 in drugs and cash was seized by police.

One room had been turned into a central control facility, while others were
used as "flop rooms" for drug users to sleep, said Mainella.

Deane made sure her customers were satisfied by taking an informal opinion
survey about the product and service, he said. She even discussed expanding
the operation to include delivery service.

"This is quite common in Winnipeg, where cocaine is delivered to your door
just like a pizza," said Mainella.

Defence lawyer Don Mokriy said yesterday his client first purchased the
pool hall with intentions of running a legitimate business.

Deane claims an onset of menopause last year led to severe physical and
emotional difficulties, which clouded her judgment. She also became
addicted to cocaine, court was told. "I've been taught a lesson that will
stay with me the rest of my life. I can only say I'm sorry and will make
amends," Deane said yesterday through a letter read by her lawyer.

The mother of two children has no prior criminal record and wept quietly
throughout yesterday's hearing, while several family members looked on from
the public gallery.

Provincial court Judge John Guy imposed the four-year prison term, which
was a joint recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers.

Guy said he was shocked by the complexity of the drug operation, describing
it as something right out of "the projects of Chicago."

"I was amazed at the blatantness and prevalence of this operation," he said.

Police believe the drug operation was connected to the Hells Angels, but
were unable to charge any bikers. Police did search the home of Bernie
Dubois, but came up empty.

The three men arrested by police remain before the courts.