Medicine Hat drug house now closed, say Alberta Sheriffs
The Alberta Sheriffs have shut down a problem property in Medicine Hat where complaints of drug activity disrupted a residential neighbourhood.
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 48 Cameron Way that includes strict conditions banning specific individuals responsible for the drug and criminal activity from residing at the property for two years. The court order also allows the closure of the detached garage on the property for 90 days, starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20. Any tenancy agreement or lease is terminated effective that date and requires all occupants and tenants, except the owner, to vacate the premises.
The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars all people from the garage until the closure period ends on May 21, 2025. The garage will be boarded up, fenced and all the locks will be changed. SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing. Community safety order conditions remain in effect until May 21, 2027.
“The combined efforts of the Alberta Sheriffs and the Medicine Hat Police Service in this case are a great example of how working together can put a stop to criminal activity that endangers law-abiding Albertans,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “I want to thank SCAN and the Medicine Hat Police Service for their tireless efforts to help residents reclaim their community. Let this closure be a message to all drug dealers in the province. You are not welcome here. Full stop. I urge all Albertans to continue reporting suspicious activity in their area.”
Michael Dirkson, inspector, SCAN, added; “Collaborating with local partners like the Medicine Hat Police Service is driving positive impact on communities throughout southern Alberta. All SCAN units across the province are committed to tackling crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.”
“The Medicine Hat Police Service appreciates the invaluable assistance of the southern Alberta SCAN unit in addressing the persistent concerns surrounding this problem property,” said Al Murphy, Chief, Medicine Hat Police Service. “In addition to being a significant pressure on MHPS resources due to crime, social disorder and anti-social behavior, the location is in the vicinity of two schools and a daycare. Together, we have taken significant action towards fostering a safer community.”
The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 10,000 properties and issued 130 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.
Province of Alberta Release
