Samples of crack given out
Gang-bangers charged
By CARY CASTAGNA, POLICE REPORTER
Two alleged members of a burgeoning Winnipeg street gang are accused of handing out free samples of crack cocaine in a Fort Rouge neighbourhood in order to hook new customers. Winnipeg police were alerted to the alleged enterprising operation on Tuesday, when two adults reported they were approached by two men handing out pieces of crack in the 500 block of Hay Street, just east of Osborne Street.
"Their intent was to hand it out to get new customers, get them hooked and then they're on the hook for more crack," said Sgt. David Black of the Winnipeg police organized crime unit.
PRICE LIST
Along with the free crack, the men also allegedly provided a price list and a phone number to place orders for the highly addictive drug.
"I've heard of this years ago in Vancouver with heroin but never with crack cocaine," Black said, adding it shows how competitive the market in street-level drug trafficking is getting. "I think they (dealers) are becoming more bold in how they traffic."
A small rock of crack sells for $25, so the pieces that were given away were each worth "a lot less than that," Black said.
The two men were allegedly driving around the area, which includes Churchill High School, targeting adults and teens.
No students from the high school were reportedly approached by the men and no offers to try the free crack were made on school property as far as police know.
However, one of the two men arrested is a former Churchill student expelled earlier this school year, school officials confirmed.
Former classmates described him as a class clown who always wore the latest designer duds.
They were shocked to find out he had been arrested and charged.
"I don't see how people can deal drugs knowing that you are going to ruin their lives," said Jill Stuber, 15.
Maria Kotab, 15, added: "To get somebody hooked on crack, it's like do you want to see them die?"
Churchill principal Jack Solomon said yesterday the school wasn't specifically targeted. "As far as we're concerned, it's an incident that took place in the larger community of Winnipeg," he said.
However, the head of the 700-student school praised police for making the bust. "I'm really pleased that the police are doing this kind of work in the community and around the school," he said.
Cops arrested two suspects after setting up an undercover sting involving a drug purchase. Allan James Decker, 18, and his older brother Samuel James Decker, 23, are charged with drug trafficking.
A police source said the brothers are members of the Mad Cows, a relatively new street gang and growing that originated in the West End.
_________________ "Every closet should open to a giant man with a bucket on his head going insane on a flying v." - some dude on youtube
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 2:58 pm Posts: 3567 Location: west side of washington state
not too long ago people were hired to hand out free cigarettes on the street corners. little packs of 3 Salems or Winstons .. that was great if you were a broke teenager.
Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2004 8:58 pm Posts: 1148 Location: Green Bay
Athletic Supporter wrote:
Only Canadian gangs would call themselves the Mad Cows.
Not just them...my fantasy football team name a few seasons ago was the London Mad Cows.
_________________ When the last living thing Has died on account of us, How poetical it would be If Earth could say, In a voice floating up Perhaps From the floor Of the Grand Canyon, "It is done. People did not like it here.''
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