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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.