SMUGGLER CHASES ON THE RISE: MOUNTIES

The RCMP say they've been involved in a growing number of high-speed chases
after smugglers on the St. Lawrence river, bordering the U.S.

Police say they go after multi-engined speedboats up to twice a week.
Smugglers use the boats to sneak illegal migrants and hydroponic marijuana
into the U.S., and to bring cigarettes and alcohol back.

"Our main goal right now is to intercept human cargo," RCMP Sgt. Gilles
Tougas said yesterday.

Officers said chases are becoming more frequent as the weather warms up and
as smugglers take to the water to test their boats and police patrols.

Police said one chase last week reached speeds up to 50 knots and lasted
about three minutes.

Tougas said the smugglers usually wear masks or snowmobile helmets to
conceal their identities as they race across the fast-moving river late at
night.

"It's all done under the cover of darkness," he said.