The Calgary Police Service has laid 212 charges against 27 individuals, following a two-week undercover operation by officers at Calgary CTrain Stations.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of multiple weapons from arrested individuals, in what CPS said was an effort to increase the safety of transit users.
The operation took place between Nov. 28 and Dec. 8, at the Marlborough, City Hall, Chinook, Rundle, Eighth Street, Sunalta, Whitehorn, Westbrook, and Heritage stations.
“At the recent town hall meeting held in the community of Marlborough, we heard Calgarians voice their concerns over increased violence and drug use at Calgary CTrain stations. Our expectation is that public spaces remain safe for those that are using them for their intended purpose,” said Acting Calgary Police Inspector Lee Wayne, in a prepared media release.
“With the help of various teams and units within the CPS, and Transit Public Safety, we were able to successfully apprehend these individuals and hold them accountable for not only their crimes, but for putting our communities at risk.”
Police said that officers from the Drug Undercover Street Team made 40 drug purchases from the 27 individuals who were charged, to identify and disrupt illicit drug trafficking, and to deter future drug trafficking at those locations.
Additional CPS officers including those from the District 4 Community Engagement and Response Team (CERT), and Calgary Transit Peace Officers were deployed to the stations with the highest levels of reported crime and social disorder.
CPS said that the operation was followed up by support for vulnerable people suffering from addiction by members of CERT, Calgary Transit Peace Officers, and Alberta Health Services, by connecting them with social support services, housing support, and employment services.
“Our community outreach team consists of transit peace officers and outreach workers from the Alpha House. Once the policing operations focused on illegal drugs was complete, this team coordinated with the CPS to help people who are struggling with addictions and to assist them in connecting with available resources,” said Deputy Chief for Transit Public Safety, Marcia Gonder.
“The community outreach team can do this because they are well-known and trusted in the community. Their constant presence on the transit system has enabled them to establish relationships and develop an insight into the challenges faced by those who would benefit from their assistance.”
