A four-day targeted enforcement initiative in the downtown core this month resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of approximately $3,000, Police in Greater Sudbury say. The operation, conducted from Aug. 18-21, was led by detectives from the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), who used intelligence-led investigations and surveillance to identify street-level drug traffickers. “Together, we remain committed to disrupting illicit drug activity and enhancing public safety,” the service said in a news release. Coordinated approach across units DEU led the operation, but the service said its Central Community Response Unit (CRU) and Patrol Operations also played key roles. CRU addresses concerns, issues and crimes in the downtown core through regular foot and bike patrols, building relationships with residents and businesses, responding to crimes in progress and addressing individuals who pose an elevated risk to public safety through warrant apprehension and bail compliance. Patrol Operations support enforcement efforts and maintain a visible presence throughout Greater Sudbury while responding to calls for service. Officers executed four outstanding warrants and laid 11 additional charges during the blitz. Focused downtown patrols For the period of Aug. 18-25, which included the enforcement initiative, police conducted 105 focused patrols in the downtown core. “A visible police presence is about more than responding to calls,” the service said in a post on social media. Police said CRU members and auxiliary constables conducted proactive foot patrols. “Whether engaging with community members, checking on known concerns, or responding to issues as they arise, our officers remain committed to helping create a safe, welcoming, and connected downtown for everyone,” police said. Weekly call statistics Over the service’s weekly period, Aug. 19-25, officers responded to 1,056 calls for service. The most common call categories included 101 traffic stops, 82 traffic complaints, 70 motor vehicle collisions, 64 mental health-related calls, 59 reports of unwanted persons, 56 incidents of intimate partner violence and 55 suspicious person reports. Ongoing commitment The Greater Sudbury Police Service said it continues to take a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to drug enforcement through proactive investigations, community engagement, and strong collaborative partnerships. “The Greater Sudbury Police Service remains committed to disrupting the trafficking of illicit drugs in the downtown core and throughout our jurisdiction,” police said. “Street-level drug trafficking poses a significant threat to the safety, security and well-being of our community.” Sudbury police added the August initiative is part of an ongoing effort and that enforcement and community engagement in the downtown core will continue.
