Undercover drug trafficking crackdown at CTrain stations results in 268 charges

Calgary police have laid 268 criminal charges against 40 people in an undercover drug trafficking operation at CTrain stations.

Dubbed the Drug Undercover Street Team (DUST), officers worked at various CTrain stations during the three-week crackdown, according to a Calgary Police Service release issued Thursday. 

Supt. Cliff O'Brien said the Calgary Police Service has conducted these types of operations before at transit stations.

"When we're out talking to people, we're going to offer support for them. But at the end of the day, we're the police and we need to do police work," O'Brien said.

"Public spaces in this city need to be safe for everyone, and if that means that we have to write summonses to people, if that means that we have to charge them criminally, then that's our job."

O'Brien said the issue is when those arrested may return to transit stations in a few weeks and "go back to the behaviour that they were doing before." To curb that return to drug trafficking activity in public areas, police imposed certain conditions of release for those arrested, including no-go areas for CTrain lines and transit property, O'Brien said.

During the undercover operation, DUST targeted CTrain stations with the highest call volumes from the public in relation to crime and social disorder, police said.

Enforcement occurred March 7-24 at the Sunalta, Westbrook, Brentwood, Dalhousie, Crowfoot, Heritage, Southland, Anderson, Chinook, Eighth Street, Rundle, Marlborough and Whitehorn stations.

There were 58 undercover drug purchases made involving 40 alleged drug traffickers, police said. Drugs seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine and Xanax.

Transit safety concerns

Calgary Transit peace officers were "instrumental" in the operation, the release stated. Transit officers assisted police with arresting suspects and transporting them to the arrest processing facility, CPS said in an email to CBC News.

DUST worked with the Calgary Drug Treatment Court to evaluate if those arrested had this court as an option. Drug treatment courts aim to provide treatment services and an alternative to prison for nonviolent offenders facing drug addiction.

"Recognizing some of the drug traffickers were also addicts, the officers provided literature and contact information for organizations that assist in securing treatment, shelter and employment to all those who were arrested," the release said.

CPS said it also contacted the Calgary Indigenous Court "for culturally appropriate assistance."

Police said weapons were also found during the undercover operation arrests, including 21 knives, two machetes and a handgun. 

The investigation is ongoing, according to police. 

Bus and train passengers have previously told CBC News that they've felt increasingly unsafe recently when using Calgary Transit, citing concerns about abuse, aggression and a lack of security and timely help.

The news of this undercover drug trafficking bust comes a day after an incident at Lions Park station, where a woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following an assault. On Thursday, Calgary police said a 31-year-old woman was charged with one count of aggravated assault. 

CBC News reached out to Calgary Transit in response to the incident at Lions Park station.

In an emailed reply, the agency said it's been making safety improvements to the transit system, including a 25 per cent increase in the number of transit peace officers, improved video surveillance and more security guards at stations where concerns were reported.

The city has also upgraded the lighting at stations along Seventh Avenue, from Downtown West/Kerby to City Hall to improve visibility for riders and staff.

"All our riders deserve to feel safe on the transit system," the statement said.

Calgary Transit said riders can report safety concerns by texting 74100, using the help phones located at CTrain stations and Max Purple stations, or pressing the help button at stations until the green light comes on.

Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot said he's heard from residents in his ward, which includes the Marlborough, Rundle and Whitehorn stations, that there has been an increasing amount of social disorder at CTrain stations. 

"I've been pushing for more enforcement in those areas. But of course new emphasis, new budget, the province stepping in with 12 additional sheriffs — these are all welcome changes," Chabot said. 

The councillor said the undercover drug trafficking crackdown was welcome enforcement. 

"This is really good for my community to see them dealing with this issue."