The Winnipeg police service has unveiled a new anti-drug strategy in the wake of the opioid and meth epidemics.
"In order to combat this crisis we must collectively mobilize resources," said Insp. Max Waddell.
The service has created a new drug enforcement unit. It’s comprised of seven dedicated officers, handpicked, with extensive backgrounds in drug investigations. It can be expanded to 18 members when needed.
The aim is to make busts like one from the weekend, which netted $200 thousand worth of drugs and cash.
“It's really old school policing where it's a strategy it's a tactic and it's a unit that is now being left alone to focus solely on this objective,” said Waddell.
The drug enforcement unit will also partner with social agencies and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba to educate people and help addicts get clean.
"Working with health, working with justice for the right reasons,” said Insp. Bonnie Emerson.
Officers will be trained on where to refer drug users for help, instead of just arresting them or putting them back on the streets with no supports.
"Many of our what I would term as patients are often interacting unnecessarily with the criminal system and not getting the care that they need," said AFM Medical Director Dr. Ginette Poulin.
