Police order property linked to over 100 charges boarded up
Stolen firearms, fentanyl and even a sudden-death drug overdose are just a few factors leading to the full closure of a property in northeast Calgary.
Insp. Mike Letourneau, of Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, said an investigation into the property was launched in May last year after a multitude of complaints from neighbours living in the area.
The house had been visited 30 times by Calgary police over the course of last year, and during the execution of two search warrants, officers seized five stolen firearms, large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs, as well as more than $150,000 in stolen property.
“We started getting repeated phone calls from complainants in the community about constant in and out traffic, and suspected drug activity,” Letourneau said.
“This was an extremely busy location as it relates to foot traffic.”
After applying for a community safety order in December, Letourneau said SCAN was given the nod to board up the house, change the locks and fence off the property.
The property will remain in SCAN’s possession for 90 days before it gets turned back over to the owner.
“Some of the observations at this property were the homeowner himself was involved in drug transactions in close proximity to this place,” he said.
Insp. Darren Leggatt with Calgary police said the owner — along with half a dozen other individuals — are facing more than 100 criminal charges. When police began their investigation into the property in January of last year, Leggatt said there was also a number of property offences at the house including break and enters and car thefts.
“Fentanyl is driving a significant amount of the property and vehicle crime we’re experiencing here,” he said.
“This particular residence was a significant find not only for us, but certainly an issue for the people who live in this community who, I can tell you, were the ones that catalyzed our investigation.”
The closure of the property located at 625 27 Avenue N.E. is in effect until April 13.
The owner’s name has not yet been released, but police confirmed court proceedings related to his charges are due to proceed in July.
We started getting repeated phone calls from complainants in the community about constant in and out traffic.