As a result of the operation, which began in March, police say they seized crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin and unknown pills.
Police said they saw an increase in calls to CTrain stations related to “drug use, overdose and drug-related violence” earlier this year.
Insp. Jeremy Wittman, head of the Calgary Police Criminal Networks Division, said the operation involved the use of undercover officers on CTrain platforms.
Police approached citizens who then offered to sell them drugs, he said.
As soon as this transaction took place, the individuals were identified, arrested and charged.
“If they were found to have any mental health problems or addictions, they were also given special resources to help them with these issues,” Wittman said.
Throughout the investigation, which lasted from March 22 to April 1, charges were filed, such as trafficking in controlled substances, possession of property acquired through crime, breach of a court order and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Police said eight of the accused are also wanted on a total of 77 unrelated warrants for previous offenses and misconduct.
Wittman said police would continue to work to “improve the quality of the Calgary Transit experience.”
“We hope everyone feels safer,” he said.
Coun. Sonya Sharp, representing Ward 1, says the city needs to provide better access to resources at public transport stations. (Mike Symington / CBC)
Section 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp, who teamed up with peacekeepers for a walk on Calgary Transit last week, said she was delighted to see the work being done by police.
“Moving forward, as a city councilor I know I need to work a little closer with my colleagues to work with the county on mental health, addictions and what other support we can give,” he said.
Section 11 Coun. Courtney Penner said the allegations represented a positive joint effort between citizens and police to stop drug trafficking.
However, he added that more work needs to be done to combat the drug crisis, which arrests alone will not solve.
“We have an addiction problem that needs constant care,” he said.
“This follow-up starts with prevention and ends with treatment, but along the way there is all the support we need, including supervised consumption areas.”
A city spokesman declined an interview request for Calgary Transit.
