Authorities have shut down a north Edmonton house after uncovering a pattern of drug-related activity over the past year.
The Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit launched the investigation following repeated complaints from residents about suspicious behaviour, including short-term visitors and people sleeping on neighbouring lawns, police said in a Thursday news release.
The year-long probe, carried out alongside the Edmonton Police Service, confirmed significant illegal activity at the property. After attempts to resolve the issue through a warning letter failed, SCAN turned to the Court of King’s Bench, which approved a 90-day closure for the residence at 11259-159 Ave. NW.
“The Edmonton Police Service is proud to have worked with our partners in the Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit in an investigation that resulted in the successful closure of a well-known problem property, whose occupants have undoubtedly contributed to the prevalence of crime and disorder and illicit drug use in our city,” said EPS Deputy Chief Derek McIntyre, highlighting the importance of collaboration between departments.
“That’s why it’s important to continue our steadfast focus on proactive enforcement, listening to community complaints, as well as inter-agency coordination and intelligence sharing, so we can stop the trafficking of drugs and tackle social disorder in our communities – full stop.”
Occupants were required to leave the home beginning at noon on Thursday. The property has now been secured and will remain under observation. Additional restrictions imposed by the court will stay in effect until June 30, 2028, and the investigation is ongoing.
“This is a clear example of how community reporting, combined with strong enforcement, makes a real difference,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “When residents speak up, Alberta Sheriffs and the SCAN unit take action to restore safety and stability to neighbourhoods. Problem properties that put communities at risk will be held accountable, and we will continue using every tool available to protect Albertans. Let this be a message to all drug dealers: You are not welcome in Alberta.”
A house in Castle Downs was shut down by Alberta Sheriffs due to suspicious activity on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Andrew Albers, inspector with SCAN, said the decision to seek a court order was based on months of monitoring and documented complaints from residents. Investigators observed repeated visits by individuals linked to drug activity, along with behaviour that threatened public safety.
“This property met the threshold for court intervention,” said Albers. “The evidence showed sustained illegal activity that was disrupting the surrounding community, and voluntary compliance did not occur. In those circumstances, SCAN will act decisively to stop the harm and restore safety for neighbours.”
The SCAN unit, operating under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, works to close properties that are hubs of illegal activity and hold owners accountable. Since April 2025, it received 12 confidential reports about the Edmonton property, which is located in a busy residential area near shops, restaurants, and a high school.
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