Suspected drug house shut down

Edmonton – A home in west Edmonton has been vacated, the windows have been boarded up, and a fence now surrounds the house.

Safer Communities and Neighbours (SCAN) began an investigation into the property after dozens of complaints were made about suspected drug activity and a high number of people coming in and out of the home, causing a disturbance.

The tenant of the house, which is located at 107 Avenue and 149 Street, was allowing it to be used as a flop house, according to SCAN. SCAN began working with the owner to clean up the alleged criminal activity, which included evicting the tenant and fencing and boarding the property.

“In the majority of cases, we are able to negotiate a resolution with the property owner without having to go to court, and this is a prime example of that,” commented SCAN Manager Chip Sawchuk. “By shutting down the property, we leave the community safer and we also significantly reduce the drain on police time and resources caused by chronic problem properties.”

SCAN uses civil legislation to target problem properties around the province used for illegal activity like prostitution, drug use and trafficking, and gang activity.

SCAN says it received 305 complaints between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 regarding problem properties around Alberta. According to SCAN, it resolved 268 of those cases.

SCAN is an ALERT team made up of Alberta Sheriffs, established and funded by the Alberta government.

Albertans who suspect illegal activity is happening at a property in their neighbourhood can contact SCAN online or at 1-866-960-7226.