160 charges laid following drug trafficking operation

As part of our Safer Calgary initiative’s commitment to address crime and social disorder downtown and along transit lines, our officers conducted a recent operation to target drug trafficking across the city.

Recently, we have seen an increase in calls for service in relation to overdoses and activity consistent with drug trafficking occurring at several CTrain stations and in public areas in downtown Calgary.

In response, our officers partnered with investigative units from across the Service including our Community Engagement Response Teams (CERT), Calgary Community Standards bylaw officers and Calgary Transit peace officers to launch an operation addressing the safety concerns and to disrupt the drug trafficking.

From Tuesday, April 22, to Friday, May 2, 2025, 29 individuals were charged with a combined total of 160 offences including:

·         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

·         One count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Our officers also seized weapons, including seven knives and an imitation revolver and ammunition.

Each of the individuals who were arrested were provided information in relation to accessing addiction treatment, shelter and employment. They were also considered as potential candidates for Drug Treatment Court and the Calgary Indigenous Court, where appropriate.

·         79 per cent of arrestees had a prior criminal record

·         97 per cent of arrestees had a history of trafficking-related charges

·         72 per cent of arrestees had a history of possession for the purpose of trafficking charges 

·         97 per cent of arrestees were on a release pending trial or with conditions

“The operation successfully targeted high-incident locations, arrested several drug traffickers, and aimed to support those arrested with resources for recovery,” says Staff Sgt. Lon Brewster of the Calgary Police Service Drug Unit. “The collaborative efforts of members from multiple districts across the Service and officers from The City of Calgary and Calgary Transit were critical in achieving a successful operation.”

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. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips