The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) recognizes that the presence of drug trafficking, especially in our neighbourhoods, is a public safety concern and unacceptable. Members of the community can assist police by reporting suspicious behavior police for follow up and investigation. All reports of suspected drug activity are taken seriously. The Police Service executes several warrants each month on residences where drug trafficking occurs.

The following are common signs of suspicious or illegal drug activity. Observing one of the following does not always signal illegal activity, but if they occur frequently or together, a problem may exist.

Signs to look for include:

• Residents that are rarely seen, distant or secretive
• Frequent visitors and unusual traffic at odd times of the day or night
• People repeatedly visiting the property who only go to the door for short durations
• Residents who regularly meet vehicles near the property for short periods.
• Presence of drug paraphernalia (NOTE: Safelink – HIV Community Link in Southeastern Alberta has a needle debris hotline that you can call or text the location of the needle or debris and their outreach team will come to pick it up and safely dispose of it. This service is available Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm by calling or texting (403)866- 4698.)

If you suspect you may be living next to a drug house, the following are some things you can do to mitigate the problem:

• Zero Tolerance. Call the MHPS for any violations of the law you encounter including; excessive noise, unsightly yard, dogs at large, parking violations, noisy parties, noisy vehicles, driving complaints, open liquor on the street, fights etc. These types of lesser offences often go hand-in-hand with drug trafficking. The more attention a drug dealer gets from Police and Bylaw Enforcement, the more likely they are to move on.

The MHPS cannot enter a residence to search for drugs or people without a warrant authorizing them to do so. This only granted if a judge is convinced that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe drug trafficking is taking place and there are grounds to believe there are drugs within the residence, a police officer cannot assume without secondary information that drugs are always present within a drug house. You can help police form their grounds by keeping detailed notes of dates, times, license plates and other information that help show drug activity is taking place.

When a problem property is identified and there is enough supporting evidence to act, the MHPS will work closely with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit to hold owners accountable for activity taking place on their property and supports landlords by helping them remove problem tenants who disrupt neighbourhoods and destroy property. SCAN can apply to the courts for a Community Safety Order (CSO) that calls for owners to meet a number of conditions, or for the property to be closed for up to 90 days. Neighbors must be diligent as a CSO may take months to obtain as information, notes, intelligence and surveillance are conducted on a problem location.

If you are suspicious about a property in your neighborhood, do not investigate it yourself or approach the occupants. Contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or SCAN at 1-866-960-SCAN (7226). Tips may also be submitted (anonymously if preferred) via the MHPS Mobile App, which is free and available to download for both Apple and Android devices by searching ‘Medicine Hat Police Service’ on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Cory Both
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416