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
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.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
NEW More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
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.
Angst and calls for resting places as Surrey, B.C., pet cemetery development continues
A single headstone is all that remains of dozens of markers for long-buried pets in a subdivision in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood, where a half-acre parcel bears a large sign announcing the proposed construction of new homes.
Polar ice is melting and changing Earth's rotation. It's messing with time itself
One day in the next couple of years, everyone in the world will lose a second of their time. Exactly when that will happen is being influenced by humans, according to a new study, as melting polar ice alters the Earth’s rotation and changes time itself.