A detailed operation by the Kelowna RCMP's Community Safety Unit (CSU) recently took "a significant quantity of drugs" off of the downtown streets.
The initiative, which was aimed to disrupting the drug market affecting a vulnerable population in Kelowna’s downtown core, concluded on Nov. 5.
In total, the project led to multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant amount of drugs, which was potentially totalling thousands of lethal doses. Additionally, there was approximately $27,000 worth of crime goods found.
“Our goal with this project was to make a meaningful impact toward safeguarding the downtown community from the harmful impacts of illicit drug activities in hopes that this effort will contribute to both a reduction in social disorder and, most importantly, the overdose incidents in the downtown area,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie.
Kelowna RCMP launched the initiative in response to concerns heard from residents, visitors, and local businesses and focused on the illicit and illegal sale of toxic drugs in the downtown area.
“We remain present and dedicated to proactive and collaborative efforts partnering with both the City of Kelowna Bylaws and the Kelowna Downtown Association to address issues affecting public safety and quality of life in our downtown community. Expect more enforcement to come," added Powrie.