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Calgary, AB,
17
February
2022
|
10:08
America/Denver

Two more arrested in connection with Operation East Side

Operation East Side began in December 2021 to address the exponential growth of violence against vulnerable Calgarians along Dermot Baldwin Way. On Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, the Calgary Police Service and partners came together to remove barriers to access services at the Calgary Drop-In Centre. Since then, the investigation into who was controlling the supply of illicit substances being trafficked by way of violence and intimidation has been ongoing and as a result, two additional people have been arrested.

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, three search warrants were executed. The first occurred at a hotel room in the Hilton Hotel, 711 4 Street S.E., and two occurred at storage lockers at Westkey Storage located at 1505 17 Avenue S.E. During the searches, the following items were seized:

  • 40.8 g methamphetamine (valued at $4,080)
  • 81.6 g fentanyl (valued at $12,225)
  • 9.8 g cocaine (valued at $980)
  • 211.6 g Percocet pills (valued at $3,034)
  • 2.4 g of psilocybin (valued at $48)
  • Scales, score sheets, packaging, cell phones, cash and other distribution paraphernalia
  • UMAREX Glock model 19 fixed slide BB Air Pistol
  • Live shotgun ammunition
  • Knives
  • Brass knuckles,
  • Body armour
  • Pepper spray

“We believe these individuals were moving a large volume of a variety of drugs in minute quantities over the past months as part of the drug distribution network targeting vulnerable Calgarians, using violence, intimidation and control of resources to secure their territory,” says Inspector Clare Smart. “We will continue to pursue anyone who chooses to prey on the vulnerable for the sake of profit.”

Branko JURINOVIC, 32, faces 37 charges and will next appear in court on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022:

  • Five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
  • One count of proceeds of crime, under $5,000
  • One count of possession of stolen property, under $5,000
  • One count of hazardous storage of a firearm
  • One count of possession of a prohibited weapon
  • Nine counts of possess weapon contrary to order
  • Sixteen counts of fail to comply with release order
  • One count of possession of stolen property, under $5,000
  • One count of operate motor vehicle while prohibited
  • One count of operate uninsured motor vehicle on highway

Olivia THUNDERBLANKET, 39, faces 12 charges and will next appear in court on March 10, 2022:

  • Five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
  • One count of proceeds of crime, under $5,000
  • One count of possession of stolen property, under $5,000
  • One count of hazardous storage of a firearm
  • One count of possession of a prohibited weapon
  • Three counts of possess weapon contrary to order

We wish to thank our partners at the Calgary Drop-In Centre, the Calgary Homeless Foundation, the Downtown Outreach and Addictions Program (DOAP), and everyone who assisted with this operation. The Calgary Drop-In Centre reports that as a result of the resource and housing day last week 36 people were connected with more than 97 services. This included:

  • Health services for 15 individuals, six of whom received COVID-19 vaccines, one who began treatment for opioid addiction, and one who was referred to detox.
  • Twenty-one people who were connected to housing support by way of viewing apartments and/or assistance with applications.
  • Eight people who received assistance with obtaining identification.
  • Seven people were assisted with their taxes, which connects them with additional resourcing.
  • Two family reunifications, one relocated to Ontario and one that has since relocated to British Columbia.
  • One emergency pet shelter referral, with a guarantee that the owners could visit their pet at any time.
  • A couple who accessed the DI Housing Client Storage Project as a result of having a great deal of personal possessions they wanted to ensure were kept safe until they could find housing.

“What took place over the last week – from Operation East Side to our own Housing and Resource Day alongside – is a testament to the power of collaboration across a group of dedicated services. While every encampment and person is unique, this intensive and coordinated service strategy with open communication, a problem-solving attitude and a compassionate approach has yielded positive results. This community-wide response is one that we are thankful to have been so involved in and hope to continue work together as we build on the successes listed above,” says Calgary Drop-In Centre Executive Director Sandra Clarkson.

“Thank you to Calgary Police Service, Bylaw Services, Calgary Fire Department, and the City of Calgary for your work on and surrounding February 10th. I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to The Alex, Alpha House including the DOAP and Encampment teams for showing that community issues require community responses and stepping in without a second thought. We frequently say at the DI that it takes community to build community, and yesterday was a great example of that. We also recognize there is much more work to be done and are looking forward to the challenge.”

“This is further proof that while every encampment and person is unique, by and large an intensive, coordinated service strategy with open communication, a problem-solving attitude, and a heavy dollop of compassion gets positive results.”