Canadian police arrest 10 in terror sweep

OTTAWA: More than 10 people were arrested on "terrorism-related" charges in police raids in Toronto, Canada's biggest metropolis and economic hub, police told AFP.

"We've arrested in excess of 10 people for terrorism-related offences in the Greater Toronto area," said Corporal Michele Paradis of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Friday. They will be charged on Saturday.

According to reports, the group had videotaped the CN Tower, one of the world's tallest structures, and the local subway which carries some 800,000 commuters each day.

Corporal Paradis refused to comment on those reports, but said more than 400 officers were involved in the investigation and more arrests were expected in the case.

"It's still ongoing and we're anticipating further arrests," she said.

The Toronto Star reported on its website that police swooped down on 12 locations in the Toronto area on Friday night to arrest members of a "homegrown terrorist cell".

Citing unnamed sources, the newspaper said the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had monitored the group since 2004 and the RCMP launched an investigation last year.

Other local media said the terror plot involved explosives.

The accused were being held in Pickering, a suburb of Toronto and home to a major nuclear power plant, officials said.