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A notice was seen posted to the front of the residence on Thursday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News
LAW ENFORCEMENT

Alberta Sheriffs shut down south-end Medicine Hat residence for drug activities

Feb 20, 2025 | 11:56 AM

Provincial authorities on Thursday shut down a property in Medicine Hat’s south end they said was home to illegal activities.

The Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 48 Cameron Way that bans individuals responsible for drug and criminal activity from residing at property for two years.

The court order also bans all people from the property’s garage until May 21. The garage will be boarded up, fenced and all the locks will be changed, the Sheriffs said in a news release.

The Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit will continue to monitor the property for activity amid an ongoing investigation, according to the release.

Medicine Hat’s police chief Alan Murphy said he appreciated the “invaluable assistance” of the Sheriffs’ SCAN unit in addressing “persistent concerns surrounding the problem property.”

“In addition to being a significant pressure on MHPS resources due to crime, social disorder and anti-social behaviour, the location is in the vicinity of two schools and a daycare,” Murphy said in a statement.

“Together, we have taken significant action towards fostering a safer community.”

SCAN Insp. Michael Dirkson said collaborating with local law enforcement agencies like the Medicine Hat Police Service has a positive impact on communities throughout southern Alberta.

Alberta’s public safety minister Mike Ellis said Thursday’s closure is “a great example” of agencies working together to stop criminal activity.

“Let this closure be a message to all drug dealers in the province. You are not welcome here. Full stop,” Ellis said.

“I urge all Albertans to continue reporting suspicious activity in their area.”

Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 10,000 properties and issued 130 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.