CALGARY – NATIONAL NEWS — Alberta Sheriffs have closed a Calgary home at 4520 19 Avenue NW after a months-long investigation confirmed ongoing drug activity, responding to repeated complaints from local residents.
The shutdown, carried out under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act, is part of the province’s effort to curb crime and restore neighbourhood safety.
Beginning at noon on August 25, 2025, the property will be closed for 88 days, with all residents—including the owner—required to vacate. The house will be boarded up, fenced, and its locks changed until the order expires on November 21, 2025. Community safety order conditions will remain in effect until August 25, 2027, and the Alberta Sheriffs will continue monitoring the property to prevent further illegal activity.
Residents Raise the Alarm
According to officials, the Calgary Police Service responded to 31 calls for service at the property since September 2024. Beginning in October 2024, SCAN investigators documented activity consistent with drug trafficking, as well as suspected involvement in stolen property and possible money laundering.
Neighbours expressed growing fear and frustration over the disruptions and criminal activity linked to the address, leading to the court-ordered closure.
“Thanks to the SCAN unit and the Calgary Police Service for their collaboration to ensure a successful resolution to this investigation. Let this be a message to all drug dealers: you are not welcome in this province,” said Mike Ellis, Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
Collaboration Between Sheriffs and Police
The SCAN unit, part of the Alberta Sheriffs, works with police agencies across the province to investigate and shut down properties tied to drug trafficking, organized crime, gang activity, and other unlawful behaviour.
“Working closely with local police, SCAN continues to play a critical role in supporting problem-property investigations across Alberta. This closure is yet another instance of SCAN’s success in restoring residents’ peace of mind,” said Michael Dirkson, Inspector with the SCAN unit.
The Calgary Police Service emphasized its ongoing commitment to neighbourhood safety. “The closure of this property is a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of residents who have endured months of disruption and fear due to ongoing drug activity,” said Ralph Veckenstedt, Acting Inspector for District 2.
History of the Alberta Sheriffs
The Alberta Sheriffs Branch, part of the provincial Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services, was formally established in 2006 to enhance law enforcement capacity across Alberta. Initially focused on traffic enforcement, court security, and prisoner transport, the Sheriffs have since expanded their mandate to include:
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Traffic Enforcement and Road Safety – supporting RCMP and municipal police on highways.
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Court and Legislature Security – ensuring the safety of Alberta’s judicial system.
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Fugitive Apprehension – tracking and arresting wanted individuals.
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Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) – launched in 2008, this unit specifically targets problem properties tied to drugs, gangs, and organized crime.
Since its inception, SCAN has investigated over 10,000 properties and issued 135 community safety orders, often resolving cases by working directly with property owners to stop illegal activity without requiring a closure.
This history reflects the evolution of the Alberta Sheriffs from a support role into a versatile enforcement body addressing community safety across the province.
Quick Facts
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Calgary police responded to 31 calls at the property since September 2024.
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SCAN launched its investigation in October 2024, documenting trafficking activity.
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Closure order: 88 days (Aug. 25 – Nov. 21, 2025).
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Safety conditions remain until Aug. 25, 2027.
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SCAN has investigated 10,000+ properties province-wide since 2008.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activity, as public tips remain a critical part of SCAN’s work in addressing problem properties.
