editorial comment Indeed, the war is never over. Does this sound like "1984" to you?

West-end cops say they've made a significant dent in organized crime and drug trafficking after two undercover investigations led to the arrests of 15 people, including six with ties to gangs.

But while cops said they've created a safer environment for merchants and residents, officers also realize the problem isn't going away.

"I'm not going to be under any delusions that we've caused a permanent dent, because that would be inaccurate," said Sgt. Tony Simioni. "We haven't won this war. It's just an ongoing effort."

But he sent a clear message to would-be drug dealers.

"You are selling drugs in this area ... and we will arrest you for that kind of activity."


The sting began after merchants and residents witnessed increased drug dealing and gang activity in the Jasper Place area and complained to cops. Police said they had received enough information to link gangs as the source of robberies, beatings and intimidation.

Many of the area bars had even been overrun by aboriginal gang members selling dope, Simioni said.

Between January and April, police mounted an undercover investigation called Operation Deep Freeze, which saw officers buy cocaine and crack cocaine from dealers with gang affiliations, within a five-block radius of Stony Plain Road and 156 Street, Simioni said.

That was followed by months of arrests in "public" areas. Fifteen people were arrested and police have issued warrants for eight others.

As a result, several native gang members went into hiding, Simioni said.

"There's been a decrease in violence, a decrease in calls, a decrease in criminal activity generally," said Simioni.

Police plan to do more of the same type of campaign in other parts of the city, said Simioni, who admitted many of the dealers will just move to other neighbourhoods.

"They do reappear but they reappear in less concentrated fashions and all that we can really do is take these things one at a time," said Simioni.

Only four of 15 remain in jail.

Nevertheless, residents of the area applauded police efforts.

"I think it's excellent," said Blair Brace, who said she won't walk along Stony Plain Road by herself at night. "They need cracking down in the area. I see the police around. You feel safer."

"There's a lot of drunks, young people, they don't care what they say. I just ignore them."

Said Fred Giroux: "I won't let my kids walk alone after dark. There's got to be a minimum of two."

But he added that seeing police officers around made him feel safer, especially when he walks to a store to buy a pack of cigarettes.

back | to top | full article >>