In an effort to curb illegal activity in the downtown core, Edmonton police have carried out an undercover drug operation – and laid more than one hundred charges.
After a six-week focused drug operation, 30 people were arrested, and now face 155 charges related to drug trafficking.
In the operation, police targeted drug dealers in a three block radius – along 101 Street between 103 Avenue and 106 Avenue.
The area had been at the centre of complaints from residents and businesses – all in relation to drug-related violence in the area.
Police said the project was meant to disrupt the street-level drug network, and cut down on related crimes in the area related to illegal drugs.
As a result of the operation, police identified 36 active dealers in the area – now, 30 of those were arrested.
Warrants have been issued for the last six.
As for the suspects behind bars, police said due to the timing of the operation – most of them should remain in custody and awaiting trial during the busy summer months, at last word eight had been released on bail.
Police said suspects that are released on bail, will have strict conditions that should prevent them from illicit drug activities or heading to the area where the operation took place.
With files from Bill Fortier
