Sgt. Vince Bacon, detachment commander of the Piikani Nation RCMP.
Piikani Nation RCMP and Crime Stoppers are partnering to reduce drug-related crime in the community.
In response to the increase of drug-related deaths in the community, the Piikani RCMP partnered with Southern Alberta Crime Stoppers to relaunch the Piikani-Lethbridge Crime Stoppers extension branch.
Together, the two organizations will work to reduce drug-related offences and uphold the safety of residents.
In Alberta alone, there were more than 1,400 drug overdose deaths in 2023.
Last year, 98 per cent of overdose fatalities in the province were a result of non-pharmaceutical opioids.
The year-to-date number of deaths surpasses the 1,120 fatalities this time last year, marking a 25 per cent increase from last year’s figures.
“It is our job to reduce harm or risk to the residents we serve,” said Sgt. Vince Bacon, detachment commander of the Piikani Nation RCMP.
“The RCMP is dedicated to upholding the safety of the families, friends, and neighbours here in Piikani who are facing the impacts of drug-related crime. By partnering with Crime Stoppers, our two organizations are able to combine resources to best support and protect the community.”
Crime Stoppers is a charitable non-profit organization that allows people to anonymously report information about crimes or suspicious behaviour on-line or over the phone.
Tips are then forwarded to a law enforcement agency. Personal information remains confidential.
In 2023, Alberta RCMP received more than 8,000 tips leading to $245,000 of drugs seized off the streets and over $90,000 in recovered property.
“By making the community aware of reporting options like Crime Stoppers, it is our hope that individuals will feel encouraged to come forward with any tips or information; these tips help guide patrol activity and special operations in the community,” Bacon said. “Effective policing begins with communities working in partnership with their local law enforcement.”
Piikani Nation RCMP is also issuing a warning to the public, reminding them that street drugs are not always what they appear to be.
Drugs marketed as fentanyl may in fact be a mixture of unknown potency and characteristics, making a user’s “normal dose” potentially more dangerous.
If anyone has information about illegal activity, contact Piikani Nation RCMP at 403-965-2000.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, on-line at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
To report crime on-line, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
