Calgary police arrest 40 in CTrain drug trafficking operation, 268 charges

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says a three-week undercover drug trafficking operation along Calgary CTrain lines has resulted in 40 people being charged with a combined 268 offences.

Officers say the Drug Undercover Street Tram (DUST) was deployed along the train lines to “target the areas of highest call volume” between March 7 and 24.

The stations targeted were Sunalta, Westbrook, Brentwood, Dalhousie, Crowfoot, Heritage Southland, Anderson, Chinook, Eighth Street, Rundle, Marlborough, and Whitehorn.

Police say the 58 undercover drug purchases they found involved 40 alleged drug traffickers. The drugs involved were fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, and Xanex.

CPS says it was trying to disrupt drug trafficking at the locations with arrests, along with imposing conditions of release, which it says can deter the continuation of drug-related crimes in those areas.

In addition to the drug busts and arrests, police found numerous weapons, including 21 knives, two machetes, two hatchets, a can of bear spray, a BB gun, two airsoft pistols, and a handgun.

“While our officers are leading with support and compassion, make no mistake that enforcement is a critical component of the equation to public safety,” said CPS Chief Mark Neufeld.

“There are no illegitimate users of transit, but there are illegitimate uses of transit. Our expectation is that public spaces remain safe for those that are using them for their intended purpose. Anyone who jeopardizes that safety will be dealt with accordingly.”

This news from police comes after Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek responded to a stabbing that happened at Lion’s Park CTrain station.

“I have made it clear to Administration that I expect immediate action and additional resources to be deployed. We cannot wait for the next tragedy to occur before something more is done. As a municipal government, we must provide better transit safety for Calgarians,” a statement from the mayor said.

“Transit is an essential service at the core of any major city, and people should not have to think twice before using it. I expect us to take immediate action and will have more details to share in the coming days.”

Police say the investigation is ongoing.