Alberta Sheriffs shut down drug house in Medicine Hat

A fence has been installed around the house, the windows are boarded up, and locks have been changed to prevent anyone from gaining access to the home.

The SCAN unit begain its investigation into the prooperty last April following multiple complaints from the community about drug activity. Residents reported seeing a steady stream of people visiting the property in vehicles, on bikes, and on foot.

People in the area reporting finding used needles and crack pipes around the neighbourhood.

SCAN investigators were able to substantiate the complaints by observing several drug transactions and a high volume of people coming and going from the property.

In addition, the SCAN unit reported troubling evidence from Medicine Hat Police where officers had responded to 120 incidents at the property for a variety of reasons including a home invasion, assaults, and several overdoses. These incidents occurred between January 2019 and September 2021.

Police and EMS also responded to 10 overdoses at the property in recent years–two of which were fatal.

On February 17th, a Court of Queen’s Bench justice granted authorities a community safety order against the property owner who was living on the premises.

The owner can regain access to the property in 90 days but it will remain under supervision under the community safety order expires on February 17th, 2023.

“I want to thank the Alberta Sheriffs for their diligent work to help people in this community take back their neighbourhood. SCAN investigations and community safety orders help break the cycle of crime associated with problem properties and allow law-abiding Albertans to regain their safety and a sense of security, ” stated Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro.

by Regan Tate

Alberta Sheriffs shut down drug house in Medicine Hat

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