The truth about gangs

Francis Silvaggio – A special Global report - Part 1
These are the images associated with big city gangs. The colours, the markings, the weapons.One gang from Calgary - Las Rasza, do fit the stereo type. Brad Zipursky, an independent journalist spent 4 years

documenting the local gang. It's all about power. Drugs, B&E's, assaults, weapons - it's all for self worth. But even during it's quest for power in Calgary during the late '90's la Rasza had limits. It stayed clear of the type of gangs responsible for the recent shootings that have so far claimed 2 lives. "They have different rules. The gang members say they're crazy. You don't talk to them. You just leave them alone. If not, you might get yourself killed." Even Calgary police, who have seen gangs come and go say this type of violence is unusual. So what's up? Good question. A task force has been set up to try and answer that. So far though, members have said virtually nothing to the media or the public. But independent experts have their thoughts.

Antonio Nicaso says, "this is a sign of something more organized."

Nicaso has been investigating organized crime in Canada for more than 12 years. He's written 10 books about the subject and has been invited to speak all over the world. He says, "one of the biggest problems in Calgary and Alberta is the growth of Asian organized crime groups." And while police have yet to make the Asian connection, they are looking into it. In fact, the RCMP has been called in to help see just how far this reaches. Connection or not, the heightened violence is having an impact on the street. Police say run of the mill gang members are backing off some are even quitting in an attempt to distance themselves from what's happening. Brad Zipursky says "that, in itself, speaks volumes." "I was scared when I was with this gang. I can only imagine if they want nothing to do with these other gangs…that's scary."