Blair: Members Of MS-13 Gang Plotted To Kill Member Of Local Justice System

Thursday June 5, 2008

CityNews.ca Staff

They are already considered the most dangerous gang in the world, but the feared MS-13 aren't about to rest on their laurels. According to Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, members of the notoriously ruthless criminal organization were plotting to kill someone in the local justice system, a tactic they are known to employ as a means of ultimate intimidation.

"In this case, it was a very serious matter," Blair said a day after police raids targetting suspected members. "It was a conspiracy to kill the individual in an effort to intimidate him and other participants in that system. And that was clearly their intent."

The Chief wouldn't reveal where in the criminal justice system the alleged target worked, but he's adamant that they intended to follow through with their frightening plans.

On Wednesday, however, it was police who were fearlessly going after the gang, arresting 17 alleged members and charging three of them with conspiracy to commit murder. They also seized a cache of weapons and cocaine, as well as $40,000.

At a press conference Thursday, Blair shed some light on the arrests. "Over the past several years, the Canadian police have been monitoring their infiltration and attempts to establish cliques or cells," he confirmed.

Those now in custody face a total of 63 charges. It is characteristic of the gang to target those involved in law enforcement, and police allege that's what was planned for Toronto.

"They have demonstrated in other jurisdictions a willingness to use violence to intimidate in the criminal justice system. Police officers, witnesses, judges, lawyers, crown attorneys. They will use violence in order to shield themselves from criminal prosecution," the Chief grimly noted.

Apparently the gang has been sending members to Toronto from L.A. since 1995, looking to recruit and organize in the area.

David Carrillo used to be a member of Mara Latina, the type of gang the MS-13 would try to absorb.

"I almost got stabbed in the back with a Rambo knife," he recalled, looking back on his street days. "Just really, really gruesome fights, using a lot of machetes."

Carrillo says his gang started off with just four members. Within months, they were up to 25. Within a year, they boasted 200 strong.

"Some of them got killed ... They were, you know, trying to flee from this area because there was too much heat, people trying to look for them, death wishes on them. They went back home thinking that it's going to be better and then, back home they got killed there."

Police say some MS-13 members have come into the country as refugees from Central America. They estimate there are about 50,000 worldwide and about 200 in Toronto.

Blair believes Wednesday's arrests have dealt the gang a serious blow, but he's not about to write them off yet.

"We have effectively disrupted the activities of this gang. But the infiltration of MS-13, given their history of violence and their transnational nature, their disregard for borders, their propensity to use violence, particularly against participants in the criminal justice system, and in an attempt to intimidate witnesses and communities, that their threat remains a significant one."

Some of Wednesday's charges include

• conspiracy to commit murder
• trafficking in narcotics
• various weapons and firearms offences

Some of the items seized include

• in excess of 6.5 kilos of cocaine
• a sawed off shotgun fully loaded
• a series of prohibited weapons
• approximately $40,000 in proceeds of crime.

Police released the names of all those arrested. To check them out, click here.

MS-13 Primer: 'The Most Dangerous Gang' In North America

Students Armed With Bats And Machete Accused Of Going On Rampage Inside High School

Monday April 7, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff

It was a terrifying start to the school week at one local campus in Sydney, Australia. Not long after classes began on Monday, five teenagers rampaged through Merrylands High armed with baseball bats and a machete, smashing windows, threatening students and teachers and destroying much of what got in their way.

One instructor was hit over the head with one of the wooden weapons as he attempted to stop the rampage. Eighteen students were slightly hurt in the wild melee, mostly as a result of cuts from broken glass. The teens involved, all between the ages of 14 and 16, allegedly rushed in just after 9am, prompting chaos in the halls.

Teachers were able to retreat with a large number of their kids into their classrooms and lock the doors, preventing the intruders from reaching them. Others hid in a closet or even under their desks, as the violence continued.

What could have sparked such a senseless attack? Police are still trying to sort that out, but believe the accused may have been looking for someone specific. "The information to us is they were coming here ... seeking someone," explains Police Det. Inspector Jim Stewart.

Parents flocked to the school as the news unfolded, worried about their youngsters trapped inside. Authorities say that while those behind the attack refused to listen to teachers, they didn't have any compunction about obeying the law. They put their weapons down and surrendered when cops showed up. The entire ordeal lasted six very long minutes.

Authorities were stunned by the violent outburst. "It beggars belief they would attempt this kind of activity against innocent students," Stewart laments.

The five remain in custody and charges including assault are pending. Despite their status as minors, If they're found guilty they could face up to seven years in prison.

Pizza Delivery Driver Grabs Onto Machete-Wielding Bandit And Stares Down Three Armed Men

Pizza Delivery Driver Grabs Onto Machete-Wielding Bandit And Stares Down Three Armed Men
Friday March 14, 2008
CityNews.ca Staff
It's the one thing police say you should never do, and for the second time in just over a week, someone did it. A pizza delivery man is being hailed a hero after staring down four armed robbers - including one brandishing a machete.
He not only foiled the crime while it was in progress, he faced down three accomplices and held one of the suspects for police.
This amazing story took place Monday night, when a man carrying a machete walked into the Pizza Pizza on Harwood Ave. South in Pickering. It was just past 11pm, when the bandit entered, drew the blade, and demanded cash from the terrified clerk.
The employees of the store refused to comply with his demands and as he turned to leave the restaurant empty handed, he suddenly found he was unable to move. When he turned around, he quickly discovered the reason - the pizza delivery driver had grabbed onto him and refused to let go.
The tension escalated when three other men suddenly appeared, one armed with a handgun. They assaulted him and threatened to shoot him on the spot unless he released their comrade. But the driver stubbornly refused and held on for dear life, even as the would-be robber squirmed and tried to get out of his clutches.
Realizing they'd lost control of the situation and police were on their way, the trio turned around and fled out the door, leaving one of their own behind, as the pizza employee enveloped him in a crushing grasp.
Cops finally arrived, recovering the machete, a mask - and the suspect, who was taken into custody.
Despite being assaulted by three men and staring down a gun, the driver wasn't hurt.
A 16-year-old young offender is charged with robbery, disguise with intent and weapons dangerous. He was held for a bail hearing.
Cops are now hoping someone out there knows his alleged associates and can put the finishing chapter on this bizarre crime spree drama. They're described as only as three males in their early 20s. Two were white, one was black. Call (905) 579-1520 ext. 5361 if you know who they are.
It's the second time this month ordinary citizens have come to the rescue. Last week, a convenience store clerk was being held up by a knife wielding assailant, when two customers spotted what was going on and rushed into disarm the man. A 43-year-old is facing charges in that case.
While police applaud the bravery of all those involved, they insist it's a bad policy that could just as easily have left innocent people injured. Their advice if you see a robbery in progress: call 911 and give cops as much information as possible. And if you're the victim, turn over what the bandit wants. The money or the merchandise can be replaced.
You can't.

New unit to combat gang violence [ Durham Region]

DURHAM -- A newly-formed unit aims to stop gang violence in Durham before it starts by enlisting community members to assist police officers.

Inspector Bruce Townley, leader of the Durham Region Anti Violence Strategy (DRAVIS), said it's commonly assumed that gang influence is spreading from Toronto to Durham. That's why it is essential the Durham police service work with the community to counter the spread of crime, he said.

"Sooner or later we're going to see more of a problem," Insp. Townley said. "These people are migrating into our area.

"Gangsters, like other criminals, will go where there's less resistance."

Durham cops are reluctant to cite numbers in discussing gang infiltration. But a report to regional council in the fall of 2006 identified 32 gangs of varying size and influence across the region, with those based in Pickering and Ajax most closely associated with the notorious criminal organizations based in Toronto.

The Criminal Code defines a gang as an association of three or more individuals engaged in criminal enterprise; that definition could encompass anything from the Hells Angels to the Crips to a bunch of neighbourhood kids.

It is the goal of DRAVIS to both combat existing criminal groups and prevent them from strengthening footholds here in Durham and recruiting new young members, Insp. Townley said.

To do that, the new unit is focusing on two methods of operation, the first being a guns and gangs rapid response team that will investigate gang-related crimes.

In addition, Durham police are trying to engage the community in the fight. Officers with the unit will literally be knocking on doors in neighbourhoods, introducing themselves and their mission and seeking assistance and information from residents.

Intelligence that's already been gathered will help cops concentrate on areas most at risk of gang activity, Insp. Townley said. The goal, he said, is to target gang members and activity and clamp down before violence erupts.

"A five-minute door knock could save weeks of work down the road," he said.

Another member of the team, Staff Sergeant Joe Maiorano, said engaging the public will be essential to the success of the program, which ultimately will be measured in lower crime rates as opposed to arrests.

"Community involvement is critical," he said.

"At the end of the day it's about having an impact on the community -- building trust, building relationships."

The 32-member team is funded by more than $500,000 in provincial money dedicated to countering gang violence.

Members of the public can provide information to the DRAVIS program by calling 905-721-4262 or e-mailing dravis@drps.ca.

Street Gangs - It's All About The Drugs Says Expert

Saying "NO" To Young Thugs

Canadian street gang expert, Michael Chettleburgh, delivered his message straight and to the point last night: Each of us is responsible for keeping our communities safe and free of violence. We are under the misconception that it won’t happen in my neighbourhood and that it’s a police problem. We all need to be vigilant about what is going on in our communities. "People have to let gang members know that this is their home, their community, and they won't stand for criminals taking it over," Staff Sgt. Daryl Goetz said recently. We also need to check our moral compass and set a better example for our young people of what is appropriate behaviour.

If you think that gang violence is only in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, think again. As a result of some shaking up of the drug trade in Toronto, gang members are seeking a piece of the action in smaller communities. Waterloo Region is particularly vulnerable because we have post-secondary institutions that have young people with more disposable income. But don’t think that drug use is just a problem amongst the university/college crowd; statistics show that the fastest growing drug consumer group is men 35 to 44 years of age.

First and foremost, the ‘business’ of gangs is drugs (43%), followed by extortion/fraud (23%), auto theft (16%), and prostitution (16%). Cannabis is by far the most popular drug, with 14.1% of Canadians reporting having used it in the last 12 months. There is a growing consensus that possession of cannabis should be decriminalized in order to transfer control of it out of the hands of gangs, and that use can be monitored. A Senate Committee report (2002) concluded that marijuana is not a ‘gateway’ to harder drugs, and that it is less harmful than alcohol and should be governed by the same sort of regulations. "Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that cannabis is substantially less harmful than alcohol and should be treated not as a criminal issue but as a social and public health issue," said Senator Pierre Claude Nolin (2002).

Recently, Waterloo Region Police reported that 100 known gang members from other urban areas had moved into the Region; including members of the Crips and Bloods gangs, bringing the estimated number of gang members in the Region to several hundred. Violent crime is up by 11% and that there were 350 more reported incidents over last year. However, it was recently reported that the national homicide rate had dropped by 10% in 2006 and the number of gun murders fell for the first time in four years. Statistics are not very comforting, however, if it is your daughter or son who is caught by a stray bullet. Jane Creba was caught in the midst of a gang shoot out in downtown Toronto on Boxing Day in 2005, and last week Andrew Freake was shot to death in Dumfries Park on the outskirts of Cambridge.

According to Chettleburgh's book, ‘Young Thugs: Inside the Dangerous World of Canadian Street Gangs’ (Harper Collins Canada 2007), Canada’s youth gang membership is up from 7,000 in 2002 to 14,000 today. He says there are a number of factors at play to explain the increase in the number of young people drawn to street gangs. First, we are not providing adequately for immigrants; over 50% live in poverty. Second, our cities are unhealthy. Chettleburgh sited one factor. Over the last couple of decades the federal government has increasingly downloaded the responsibility for meeting the needs of citizens onto the provinces and the provinces have responded by downloading more responsibilities onto the cities, leaving city resources stretched to their limit. Third, is the changing composition of the Canadian family; with more families being led by single-parents who do not receive adequate financial support, and the absence of a ‘pro-social’ father to serve as a mentor. Gangs pull marginalized young men in and provide them with affiliation, acceptance, an opportunity to earn money (greater than minimum wage which is well below the poverty line), distinction and status

Last night’s presentation was part of a series on issues of substance abuse being presented by Community Safety & Crime Prevention Council and the Region of Waterloo. Michael Chettleburgh’s upcoming book ‘Gladiator School: Life Inside Canadian Prison’ will be published in 2009 by Harper Collins. I highly recommend that you check out other presentations in the series, such as; Two Stories of Addicted Cities and Addiction is not an Income Issue.

Cops raid street gangs

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Last updated at 7:59 AM on 14/06/07

Cops raid street gangs print this article
'Significant blow' to organized crime

NOOR JAVED
The Canadian Press

A unidentified woman is taken into custody in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto on Wednesday, as police in Toronto and several other cities staged a series of pre-dawn raids dubbed Project Kryptic. (CP PHOTO)
A unidentified woman is taken into custody in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto on Wednesday, as police in Toronto and several other cities staged a series of pre-dawn raids dubbed Project Kryptic. (CP PHOTO)

A series of extensive pre-dawn police raids that resulted in more than 60 arrests in Toronto and cities across southern Ontario has dealt a major blow to the operations of organized crime and street gangs across the province, officials said yesterday.

While police said the arrest of the alleged leaders of Toronto's Driftwood Crips street gang will make the entire region safer, one expert believes the sense of security could be short-lived.

"Today, we have one less street gang terrorizing the neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto," said Toronto police Chief Bill Blair.

"With the arrest of those individuals, with the seizure of their weapons, and the profits of their criminal enterprise, I believe we have dealt organized crime groups a significant blow," Blair told a news conference.

"I believe our city is safer because of the work that has been done today."

More than 700 police officers descended across Toronto, Niagara and Barrie before sunrise and conducted more than 130 searches as part of the operation dubbed "Project Kryptic."

The raids involved police from the Ontario Provincial Police, RCMP and officers from the regions of Peel, Durham and York, as well as the Ontario communities of Niagara, Barrie, Waterloo, Halton, Guelph, London, Hamilton, Belleville, Peterborough-Lakefield and Kings-ton.

Blair stressed the operation was the result of an 11-month investigation and was not a roundup in response to the recent shooting of Jordan Manners, 15, in a school hallway, that has put the spotlight on gangs.

Blair said the searches and arrests were co-ordinated with "surgical precision," but were primarily aimed at the Crips in the Jane-Finch area of Toronto, notorious for its high crime rate.

Many of the teenagers arrested were still in their pyjamas as police handcuffed and took them away in police cruisers early yesterday morning.

Author Michael Chettleburgh, author of Young Thugs: Inside the Dangerous World of Street Gangs, who spent years studying gangs in Canada believes that while raids help nab some bona fide criminals, they can also create a vacuum for other offenders to thrive in.

"When you take a leading gang out of any community, it creates more elbow room for other gangs who are at a more embryonic stage, and gives them an opportunity to grow," he said.

"The demand for those drugs, the demand for those guns will still continue whether that gang is in place or not."

Chettleburgh said police must deal with the underlying causes of why kids are participating in gang-related behaviour.

"The street gang situation is not one we can arrest our way out of," he said.

Blair said police would continue to have a greater presence in the area, and did not rule out more arrests.

Ontario's attorney general went further and said the raids are just the tip of the iceberg in a campaign to wipe out organized crime.

"The answer to gun and gang crime and an increase to organized crime is organized justice," said Michael Bryant.

Why schools aren't safe

Why schools aren't safe
CARLOS OSORIO/TORONTO STAR
Julian Falconer, left, chair of the School Community Safety Advisory Panel, and Gerry Connelly, Toronto District’s director of education, present the panel’s report yesterday.
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Why schools aren't safe
Report summary
Key recommendations for safer schools
Few fears among students
DiManno: Where are parents of juvenile thugs?
Tale of survival at Westview high school
Excerpt: Intolerance, ignorance and one girl's pain
Questionnaires pull back curtain at two schools
Speak Out: School searches?
Voices: School searches
VOICES
I made a brief announcement before lunch (about the report) and the fact that the media was at Jefferys, and I urged students to continue to focus on the future and to try and move this momentum that we've gained to a higher level.
Jim Spyropoulos, principal, C.W. Jefferys
If there are people who are experiencing violence, or are afraid to talk about violence that they are experiencing, that's unacceptable. Is it my experience that there's a pervasive culture of fear or violence in the Toronto board? No, that is not my personal experience.
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne, involved in the Toronto board as parent and trustee
The big picture is not that schools are going into the ditch – because they're not. But are there kids who need assistance? Of course, and the Ontario government should cut a cheque right away for more social workers, psychologists, more adults supervising in schools.
Stu Auty, chair, Canadian Safe School Network
I'm not disagreeing there is some culture of fear in schools – some scary things happen and there are certain places in some schools where teachers don't want to go, even in pairs, even with walkie-talkies. But if the report gives the impression schools are a war zone, I'm not happy because overall, most kids are okay.
Doug Jolliffe, president, Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, Toronto District
Our whole approach to community safety is exactly that, building partnerships in neighbourhoods. That's why our recreational strategy, for example, significantly increases the access to recreational programs of people of low income, very dramatically. All governments, and the private sector and the non-profit sector have a role to play.
Toronto Mayor David Miller
Just as rural and northern schools have particular issues, so do urban schools and it is imperative we address them. Let's focus on prevention rather than finding more ways to simply lock down our schools. There must be increased funding for social workers, psychologists, guidance counsellors and youth workers.
Annie Kidder, executive director, People For Education
Tale of survival at troubled Westview high school
Kimone Hyman didn't recognize the student barrelling toward her, but four years later she still remembers his face – and the bloodstained knife.
Jordan Manners' death illustrates how board lacks resources to help the students it serves
Jan 11, 2008 04:30 AM
Kristin Rushowy
Louise Brown
Education Reporters