Mafia accused of drug running through Port of Windsor
Port CEO David Cree insists facility 'very secure'
CBC News
Posted: Sep 28, 2012 4:02 PM ET
Last Updated: Sep 29, 2012 5:09 PM ET
Port of Windsor CEO David Cree says all the ports are audited by Transport Canada and called them “very secure.” (CBC File Photo)
The CEO of the Port of Windsor flatly denies media reports out of Montreal that suggest the Mafia is running drugs through his port.
A report by the QMI Agency's investigative TV unit, JE, scheduled to run Friday in Montreal suggests the Calabrians are bringing drugs into Canada through Windsor.
Cree said the TV station first contacted him a year ago for the story and was back in Windsor four weeks ago.
“We have discussed the matter at length with the RCMP and city police. They’re aware of the rumours and the story that was going to run. They assured us there is no reason for concern,” Cree said. “There are no drugs being run through the port.”
Cree said all the ports are audited by Transport Canada. He called them “very secure.”
“In our view, there is no validity to their concerns,” Cree said of the TV crew. “Most of our cargo is salt or stone. It’s difficult to imagine how any smuggling is being done with that kind of cargo.”
Meanwhile, Windsor Police are aware of the media.
Drug running 'not unforeseeable'
Police spokesperson Sgt. Matthew D'Asti told CBC News "it's not unforeseeable" that it's happening due to the Detroit-Windsor border being the busiest crossing in North America.
D'Asti said officers and inspectors have been exchanging emails and links to the media reports and were not prepared to comment until early next week.
D'Asti said he is checking with the Windsor Police guns and drugs unit to see if the Port of Windsor is in any way being used by the mob.
Andre Cedilot is the former crime reporter for Montreal’s La Presse and co-author of Mafia Inc.
He isn’t surprised by the accusation but hasn’t specifically heard the Port of Windsor being mentioned.
“All the ports are used by the Mafia, or the Hellls Angels, to carry drugs into the country,” said Cedilot, who retired three years ago. “Traffickers always try to find new roads to get drugs into Montreal and Canada. If it’s safe and they have contacts, they use contacts. The Mafia is a big, big network.”
In 2005, nine men alleged to be part of the Hells Angels were convicted of conspiring to import drugs into the Windsor area.
Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis declined comment and said all enquiries should be directed to the RCMP.
A call to the RCMP was not immediately returned.
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