Alberta Sheriffs seize northeast rental suite over drug activity
Alberta Sheriffs have closed a property in northeast Edmonton after an investigation found it was being used to conduct drug activity.
The rental unit near 151 Avenue and 43 Street will now be barred to occupants for 90 days under a community safety order that took effect at noon Wednesday, a news release said later that day.
The Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit (SCAN) carried out the order after beginning an investigation last March that found a tenant claiming he was operating an “informal drug treatment centre” in his home.
“Our government will use all measures at our disposal to protect neighbourhoods from gangs and illicit drug activity. I want to thank the SCAN unit for the vital work it does to keep Albertans safe, secure and protected in their homes,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, in the release.
SCAN spoke to the tenant and the owner of the property during their investigation, informing the owner they would work to carry out the safety order if the drug activity didn’t stop. When they spoke to the tenant he made the claim that he was operating the informal treatment centre by allegedly using methamphetamine himself and giving it to other people.
Last August, an EPS tactical team unit was engaged in a standoff at the property after a woman high on meth phoned in a report of a home invasion. That call was determined to be false.
EPS found a prohibited firearm, knives and replica firearms during their own investigation at the property.
The property will remain closed until Jan. 21, 2020. At that time the owner is required to take all reasonable steps to prevent further drug activity at the property.
During the 90-day closure the landlord of the property can enter the building and contractors can make repairs and renovations if they are accompanied by the landlord.
SCAN has investigated over 5,500 problem properties and issued close to 80 community safety orders since it’s inception in 2008.