Saskatchewan’s efforts to combat crime have yielded substantial results as the province’s Municipal Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) and Trafficking Response Teams (STRT) continue to put criminals engaged in human and drug trafficking behind bars.
Over the past few months, the specially designated police units have achieved remarkable outcomes, disrupting trafficking operations and getting deadly drugs off of the streets.
Between March and August 2023, nearly 3,600 grams of methamphetamine, 33,025 grams of cocaine, 1,036 grams of fentanyl were seized,
Additionally, police made 46 arrests, and deployed 50 search warrants, according to a government press release.
“The Saskatoon CRT conducts investigations that support the goal of disrupting, curtailing, and reducing criminal activity in relation to gang violence, organized crime, illegal guns, drugs and property crime,” said Saskatoon Chief of Police Troy Cooper.
“These are priorities that align with the Saskatchewan government in an effort to keep residents of not only Saskatoon, but of the entire province safe.”
Teams are specifically mandated to target street gangs and prolific offenders and to respond to urban and rural crime surges as needed.
On the human trafficking front, 61 human trafficking files were opened which resulted in 47 human trafficking interventions..
“When it comes to drug trafficking, illegal firearms and human trafficking in our province, it is important that we dedicate skilled and specialized police officers to investigate as this kind of organized criminal activity is uniquely complex,” said Regina Police Service Investigative Services Division Superintendent Trent Stevely.
“The Regina Police Service recognizes that the funding provided for CRT and STRT is invaluable. Without that financial assistance, we would not be able to provide the time and human resources needed to successfully investigate these types of criminal offences.”
In a significant shift from their previous decriminalization policy enacted just eight months ago, British Columbia’s NDP government has proposed new legislation that would make drug use nearly anywhere in public spaces illegal.
The law would prohibit drug use within 15 meters of designated areas like parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and beaches, with a reduced distance of six meters near residences, businesses, recreation centers, and other public spaces.
