P.A. police step up enforcement on gang activity
A targeted focus on weapons and drugs offences in the city, is the explanation from the Prince Albert Police Service regarding a significant number of arrests in the city this month.
The most recent bust happened Aug. 14 when two homes were raided in the Midtown area and 14 people were arrested. From the homes, police seized numerous firearms, drugs, ammunition, cash, and body armour. Police spokesperson Alanna Adamko said the Integrated Street Enforcement Team (ISET) has a mandate to investigate, reduce and disrupt street level drugs, gangs and illegal firearm activity.
“The recent media updates on several successful operations are the results of the ongoing enforcement from ISET and internal police resources and partners. The strategies have not changed and PAPS continues to support ISET in fulfilling their mandate,” she said.
Since the beginning of August, police have laid a total of 127 charges and seized 10 firearms. On Aug. 9, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit informed paNOW they had made nine arrests in connection to a nearly nine-month long investigation. The investigation began in November of 2017 when police learned about a drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana into the region. In addition to the arrests, officers also seized four vehicles, weapons and large quantity of drugs.