Calgary police say a three-week operation to root out drug traffickers in the downtown core has yielded “significant” results.
A total of 39 suspects have been identified as police have made 61 undercover drug purchases.
Acting Insp. Craig Skelton said the operation was launched in response to numerous concerns from social agencies — namely, those in the East Village area — and from other individuals in the downtown.
“The concern is that you have an agency providing support and assistance for people that have addiction issues, and you have drug traffickers preying on those people outside the doors,” he said.
Calgary Drop-In Centre spokesperson Louise Gallagher said her organization has already noticed a reduction in drug transactions in the area since the police operation concluded.
“It’s much appreciated,” she said. “We are continuing to bring those things to their attention because it’s important to our clients.”
Skelton said much work remains in the fight against trafficking on downtown streets.
“The unfortunate reality is there’s going to be somebody that’s going to step up and try to take advantage of the fact that 39 people are no longer trafficking controlled substances on the streets,” he said. “It’s an ongoing issue.”
