Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jun 2004
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2004 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Jason van Rassel, Calgary Herald

POLICE CRACKDOWN NETS 286 DRUG CHARGES

No one's claiming victory in the war on drugs, but Calgary police say a 
two-week crackdown has helped put a dent in street-level dealing downtown.

Uniformed officers working with drug unit detectives charged 102 people 
with 286 offences, and seized mainly crack cocaine and marijuana during the 
operation.

At the end of May and beginning of June, police targeted known "hot spots" 
such as the East Village and Century Gardens, and areas identified by 
business owners and police intelligence.

"We were able to effectively impact a lot of the drug dealing and the drug 
activity in the area," said Insp. Dan Jahrig, commander of downtown's 
District 1.

Investigations targeting organized crime groups and criminals who supply 
the drugs are just one part of ongoing police efforts, said Staff Sgt. 
Trevor Daroux of the drug unit.

The demand for drugs spawns crime committed by addicts looking to support 
their habits, and the recent police operation, dubbed Safe Streets, was 
aimed at stemming the violence and property crimes associated with the trade.

"People are coming to these areas because they know where the supply is -- 
we have to take that out as well," Daroux said.
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