Calgary CTrain stations targeted in undercover drug trafficking investigation
Calgary police have laid hundreds of charges in a three-week undercover drug trafficking operation focusing on CTrain stations.
The Drug Undercover Street Team (DUST) targeted areas that see the highest volume of calls.
Police say while the focus was arresting drug traffickers, there was also recognition that some of those traffickers are addicts.
As such, officers provided those arrested with information on drug treatment centres and organizations that help with shelter and employment opportunities.
DUST members also worked with the Calgary Drug Treatment Court to make sure those who were arrested would be evaluated to see if it was an option for them. By doing this, the Calgary Indigenous Court was also notified for culturally-appropriate assistance.
"While our officers are leading with support and compassion, make no mistake that enforcement is a critical component of the equation to public safety," Calgary police chief Mark Neufeld said in a news release.
"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."
The operation took place at the Sunalta, Westbrook, Brentwood, Dalhousie, Crowfoot, Heritage Southland, Anderson, Chinook, Eighth Street, Rundle, Marlborough and Whitehorn stations between March 7 and March 24.
Drugs seized include fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine and Xanax.
In total, 40 people were arrested and are facing 268 criminal charges.
Police say those who have been released are facing conditions that are hoped to "deter the continuation of drug-related crimes in these areas."
During the arrests, officers seized 21 knives, two machetes, two hatchets, a can of bear spray, a BB gun, two airsoft pistols and a handgun.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.