Sheriffs shutter Mill Woods drug house

Alberta Sheriffs have closed down a Mill Woods drug house nearly a year after receiving complaints about suspicious activity there.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit got a court order Monday that closes the property in the Greenview neighbourhood — 297 Greenoch Cres. — for 90 days. The investigation was initially sparked because of complaints of drug activity.

“Thanks to the SCAN unit, law-abiding residents of this neighbourhood can be at ease,” Justice Minister and Solicitor General Doug Schweitzer said in a statement. “I commend the dedicated efforts of the SCAN unit and its law enforcement partners who help Albertans feel safe and secure in their own communities.”

The complaints about the home first came last July, and after they were substantiated, the owner of the home was given a warning letter.

According to Alberta Sheriffs, the owner of the home, a two-storey house with a brick facade not far from Jackie Parker Park, had been having problems with tenants.

Despite being served with an eviction notice and being informed by police of the investigation, the tenants remained at the property.

SCAN, working with the city, local police and Alberta Health Services, monitored the property for evidence of drug activity, as well as people coming and going, which “created an elevated risk of spreading COVID-19 by not following recommendations outlined by public health officials,” the release said.

As part of the closure, which remains in effect until Sept. 11, the property has been boarded up, the locks have been changed, and a fence has been put up. After the three months, the house will remain under SCAN supervision until June 1, 2022.