Canadian union leader arrested at US border with cocaine

BURNABY, BC, Jan. 24 /CNW/ - A senior Ironworkers Local 97 official has
been arrested near Spokane, Washington, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

"We learned of the arrest of our Local's Business Manager, Perley Holmes, late last Friday," said Dave Beatty, Local 97's President. "Needless to say, this is a shock to us, and we immediately launched our own internal investigation. Although there is no connection to the Local, we have brought in external auditors to conduct an audit as required under our union's constitution."

"We're waiting to hear more about the situation," said Beatty. "Yet, at the same time we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the Local. We expect that our own internal investigation will be complete by the end of next week."

According to Spokane District Court officials the question of bail is still before the court.