Dog shot during high-risk drug warrants

The Calgary Police Service has arrested three people and seized two children following high-risk drug warrants this morning in opposite ends of the city that netted cocaine, marijuana and a substantial amount of cash.

During one of the warrants, in the 2300 block of 19 Street S.W., a pitbull-type dog inside the home lunged and then latched on to the left arm of a tactical team member. Despite efforts to get the dog to release from the officer, the dog would not and another tactical officer was forced to shoot and kill the animal.

The injured officer was taken to hospital and was treated for a serious bite to his arm. The officer needed upwards of a dozen stitches to close the wound and long-term damage to his arm has not yet been determined.

Two people who were at home at the time of the warrant have been arrested and charges are pending.

This investigation started as a tip from the public and resulted in a three-week probe into a dial-a-dope operation. Drugs and large quantities of cash have been seized, however, exact amounts are currently being determined.

A second and connected high-risk warrant was executed by tactical team members without incident in the 200 block of Coral Springs Circle N.E. Three people – a woman and two children – were at home at the time. Several pitbull-type dogs were also located at this residence. The woman was arrested and the children have been seized.

Members of the CPS Tactical Unit are highly specialized and respond to the most dangerous and high-risk incidents in our city, including all drugs warrants and calls where weapons are involved. The teams execute upwards of 300 drug warrants and high-risk weapons calls every year.

Further details about this operation, including the names of those charged and the amount of seized drugs, will be released as soon as possible.