Toronto, Ontario - Thursday April 3rd, 2008 - On the 2nd of April, 2008, members of the Ontario Integrated National Security Enforcement Team arrested Justain DILLON, a 34-year-old male from Mississauga, for the off fences of Terrorist Hoax and Public Mischief. It is alleged that this individual placed phone calls to Toronto Crime Stoppers, Toronto Police Service, and the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey. The male caller reported that a right-wi ng Muslim group was planning to blow up a mall in New Jersey to make a name for itself.
"The RCMP takes these sorts of matters very seriously," said Superintendent Jamie Jagoe. "Far from harmless pranks, terrorist hoaxes cause very real apprehension and result in unnecessary and costly police responses."
The calls resulted in a significant police response with the involvement of numerous agencies including the Monmouth County Sheriff&rs quo;s Office (New Jersey), Freehold Township Police (New Jersey), United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
A large number of police units were dispatched to the area. The police response included st opping incoming and outgoing traffic and preventing vehicles from stopping in loading zones around the mall that was threatened. The calls were received on Friday, November 24, 2006, one week before what is commonly regarded as the busiest shopping day of the year.
The Integrated National Security Teams (INSETs) were created following the events of September 11, 2001. INSETs are designed to increase the capacity for the collection, sharing and analysis of intelligence among partners. This incr eased capacity enables INSET members to work with partners nationally and internationally towards a common goal of detecting and disrupting potential terrorists threats. To report terrorist activity or threats to national security, the public may call 1-8 00-420-5805 or contact your local police.
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For further information contact:
Cpl. Marc LaPorte
"O" Division Media Relations Officer
(519)640-7302 (Office)
(519)630-9791 (Cell)
