Man Arrested In Cross-border Drug Probe

[motorhead]

CN BC: Man Arrested In Cross-border Drug Probe
by Sandra McCulloch, (24 Feb 2006) Victoria Times-Colonist British Columbia
Suspect Faces Extradition Hearing On Drug Charge

A 35-year-old Victoria man was arrested and his residence searched Thursday by RCMP officers acting on behest of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Douglas James Sharples is awaiting an extradition hearing to the U.S. on a charge of importing crystal meth. He is expected to appear in Victoria provincial court today for a first appearance and scheduling of a bail hearing.

The charge follows a year-long, covert investigation involving the Internet, undercover operators, members of the RCMP's Island district drug section, Victoria police and the DEA, based in Newark, New Jersey.

"This kind of thing is quite extensive and with the use of the Internet, which is an indicator in this file, we're starting to see a lot of...files that are crossing the borders," said Cst. Beth Blackburn of the RCMP's federal drug section.

"I think you're going to see an increase in enforcement initiative by the RCMP," said Blackburn.

She wouldn't confirm that Sharples was using the Internet to sell crystal meth, but would only say the Internet played a role in his alleged activity. The length of the investigation is typical for those spanning the border, said Blackburn.

"It's quite a unique thing and obviously these kinds of operations take a long time to gather enough evidence to lay charges...and when you're dealing with international ( agencies ), it's even more difficult."

Authorities in the U.S. often ask for assistance from Canadian police when they're looking for a suspect in Canada, said Lyse Cantin, spokeswoman for the Department of Justice.

"That happens in all cases of extradition," said Cantin from her Vancouver office "While he's been charged ( in the U.S. ), they've asked Crown counsel in Canada to represent them here in Canada and that's how it proceeds."

Cantin wasn't familiar with the details of the investigation, saying "It's kept very, very close to the chest ( by police ) because obviously the person becomes a flight risk the second that something is out there saying someone is looking for them."

"She wouldn't confirm that Sharples was using the Internet to sell crystal meth, but would only say the Internet played a role in his alleged activity"
Ack! Swims must be careful.