268 charges laid in drug investigation at Calgary CTrain station

Calgary police have laid hundreds of charges in a three-week undercover drug-trafficking operation targeting CTrain stations.

The Drug Undercover Street Team (DUST) focuses on areas that see the highest volume of calls.

According to the police, while the main focus is on arresting drug dealers, some of them are also admitted drug addicts.

In this way, the officers provided the arrested with information about drug treatment centers and organizations that help with housing and employment.

DUST members have also worked with the Calgary Drug Court to ensure that those arrested are assessed to determine if they have options. As such, the Calgary Local Court was notified of culturally appropriate relief.

“While our officers lead with support and compassion, make no mistake that law enforcement is a critical component of the public safety equation,” Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld said in a news release.

“Our expectation is that public spaces remain safe for those who use them for their intended purpose. Anyone found to be a threat to this security will be dealt with accordingly.”

The operation took place between March 7 and March 24 at Sunalta, Westbrook, Brentwood, Dalhousie, Crowfoot, Southland Heritage, Anderson, Chinook, Eighth Street, Rundle, Marlborough and Whitehorn stations.

The drugs seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine and Xanax.

A total of 40 people were arrested, 268 criminal cases were brought against them.

Police said those released will face conditions they hope will “deter further drug-related crime in these areas.”

During the arrest, officers seized 21 knives, two machetes, two hatchets, one bear spray, one BB gun, two air pistols and a handgun.