22 arrested in “Buy and Bust” operation in Edmonton

A Downtown enforcement project targeting street level drug trafficking around Churchill Square, Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue resulted in 22 arrests with 57 charges in five days.

The EPS Special Projects Team ran the “Buy and Bust” operation at the end of May in response to citizen complaints of open-air drug dealing in these areas.

“The consequences of open-air drug dealing are it brings a negative perception on the area making the public feel unsafe. Our objective was to clean up these areas so the downtown core is a safer place to be,” stated Acting Staff Sergeant Nick Bult of the Special Project Team.

The accused – four females and 18 males – ranged in age from 17 (two young offenders) through to 46 years-old, with the average age ranging from 20 – 30.

One man was arrested twice on separate occasions. Drugs collected included crack cocaine, marijuana, morphine and ecstasy along with $2,500 in cash. Charges varied from trafficking a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime, breach of recognizance and mischief under $5000.