OLDS — Police have seen a 500 per cent increase in the number of drug trafficking cases and a 150 per cent hike in drug possession cases in Olds over the past year.
However, the actual number of cases is not large.
During a presentation to Olds town council earlier this month, Sgt. Jody Achtymichuk, the acting commanding officer of the Olds RCMP detachment reported that in 2020, police dealt with five drug possession cases, up from two the year before; a 150 per cent rise.
In 2020, they dealt with six drug trafficking cases, compared to one in 2019; a 500 per cent increase.
Coun. Wanda Blatz described the drug trafficking figure as "a little bit concerning,” even though the figures are small.
“Is this prolific offenders that you’re seeing or is it more of the bad drugs as compared to, I guess what you’d call your minor drugs,” she asked.
Noting he just began work at the Olds detachment, Achtymichuk said he could not say for sure, but could later.
“Being my first day, I don’t know the history on that; what exactly took place for those files specifically,” he said.
“I am just a little curious if it’s prolific as compared to brand new or existing,” Blatz said.
“Hopefully this is not an increasing trend we’re going to start to see, due to COVID and all the restrictions and the mental health issues that people are starting to endure.”
Achtymichuk is serving as detachment commander until a new commander is installed.
He replaces Staff Sgt. Jim MacDonald, who retired after a 25-year career in the RCMP. His last day of work was Jan. 29. MacDonald commanded the Olds detachment for three years.
