29 people charged with 160 crimes following Calgary drug trafficking operation

The City of Calgary is cracking down on drug trafficking in the city, especially in the downtown core and transit stations.

It says officers working under the Safer Calgary initiative, along with Community Engagement Response Teams (CERT), Calgary Community Standards bylaw officers and Calgary Transit peace officers conducted an operation last month aimed at addressing safety concerns and disrupting drug trafficking.

This was born out of an increase in calls for service in relation to overdoses and activity consistent with drug trafficking and in public areas downtown.

From Tuesday, April 22 to Friday, May 2, 29 people were charged with a combined 160 offences.

The laundry list of alleged crimes includes 21 counts of drug trafficking, 23 counts of trafficking opioids, six counts of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of trafficking heroin, one count of possession of opioids for the purpose of trafficking, eight counts of possession of other drugs for the purpose of trafficking, 10 counts of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, 70 counts of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. nine counts of failure to comply with a release order, four counts of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of failure to comply with an appearance notice, one count of possession of an identity document, two counts of failure to appear in court, two counts of obstruct a public officer or peace officer, and one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Officers also seized weapons during the operation, including seven knives, an imitation revolver and ammunition.

The city says all of the people who were arrested were given support to access addiction treatment, shelter, and employment. Some of them were also considered potential candidates for Drug Treatment Court and the Calgary Indigenous court.

Many of those involved, according to the city, have been part of the scene for some time; 79 per cent of those arrested had a prior criminal record, 97 per cent had a history of trafficking-related charges, 72 per cent had a history of possession for the purpose of trafficking charges, and 97 oer cent were on a release pending trial or with conditions.

Anyone with information related to suspected drug trafficking activity occurring in Calgary is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.