LLOYDMINSTER - Sheriffs shut down a drug house in Lloydminster where there were discarded needles, constant drug traffic and fights, according to police.
Police say they had responded to almost 100 incidents at the house since 2020 and received numerous public complaints about the house at 5729 - 50 Street in Lloydminster. There are parks, playgrounds and a seniors’ residence across the street to the house.
Complainants reported finding used needles around the neighbourhood, seeing assaults spilling into the street and constant traffic to and from the property.
Investigators confirmed drug activity was taking place at the property.
“Law-abiding Albertans shouldn’t be afraid to walk on their street or enjoy a day in the park because of drugs or gang activity,” said Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu in a statement today.
“The diligent work of our Alberta Sheriffs has helped residents of this community reclaim those spaces and feel safe in their own neighbourhoods again.”
A court order authorized the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs to board the drug house and erect a fence to prevent anyone from entering the property until Dec.16, 2021.The community safety order took effect Oct. 5, giving investigators the authority to erect a fence around the house, board up the windows and change the locks. These measures will remain in place and prevent anyone from entering until the closure ends.
SCAN investigators initially tried to resolve the complaints with a warning letter to the property owner, who doesn’t live on the premises. When the drug activity continued, SCAN applied for a community safety order and obtained judicial approval in Court of Queen’s Bench on Sept. 20.
The SCAN unit works with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act gives sheriffs the authority to target problem properties through civil enforcement.
Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 5,800 problem properties and issued nearly 100 community safety orders. The majority of complaints are resolved by working with property owners to keep criminal activity out of the community.
Lloydminster is a city that borders Saskatchewan and Alberta. The RCMP station is on the Alberta side of Lloydminster and serves both provinces. There are two courthouses in Lloydminster, one on the Saskatchewan side and one on the Alberta side.
