Dozens of charges laid after Calgary law enforcement co-ordinate to disrupt downtown drug trafficking

Three different law enforcement teams in Calgary teamed up last week with the aim of disrupting drug trafficking in downtown hotspots and along the CTrain line. Now, seven people are facing dozens of charges.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) says starting June 20, its community engagement response team officers, transit public safety officers, and Calgary community standards personnel found street-level drug traffickers on Third Street SE, Olympic Plaza, Centre Street CTrain Station, Eighth Street CTrain Station, and Shawnessy CTrain Station.

Seven people were arrested throughout the four-day operation and face a total of 47 charges for drug trafficking, breaches of court-imposed conditions, fraud, and weapons-related charges.

Officers also seized brass knuckles and an imitation handgun during the arrest.

“We recognize street-level drug traffickers may be trapped in addiction, and throughout this operation we worked with an AHS clinician to offer support and diversion courts in our city to ensure those who are candidates can be offered opportunities to access resources and the help they may need to find a different path,” District 1 Insp. Jason Bobrowich said.

He continued to say this operation is a great example of law enforcement partners working together to preserve the comfort and accessibility of public spaces.

“Although this specific operation was only designated for concentrated efforts over a week, make no mistake that all law enforcement partners are working every day to address crime and social disorder in our public spaces,” Bobrowich said.