Alberta RCMP have announced the creation of new Community Response Teams (CRTs) to support frontline officers and partner agencies in tackling illegal drug crimes, particularly the growing threat of fentanyl across the province.
The announcement follows an April 10 meeting between the RCMP and partners in law enforcement, health, and government to address ongoing concerns related to opioid use and trafficking. The initiative is part of the Alberta RCMP’s Data 2 Action (D2A) strategy, which uses data and intelligence to drive crime reduction efforts.
“The Alberta RCMP is committed to doing all that we can to reduce the risk of opioids in our communities, but it isn’t just a police problem,” said Supt. Mike McCauley, Officer in Charge of the Alberta RCMP Crime Reduction Strategy. “Working with our partner agencies, we can develop a fulsome approach to address the underlying issues that lead to crime and the use of illegal fentanyl in our communities.”
The D2A model focuses on four pillars of policing — targeted prevention, apprehension, suppression, and offender management — and brings together public safety and health partners to craft data-driven responses tailored to specific communities.
The newly established CRTs are designed to provide rapid, adaptable support to RCMP detachments across the province. Their goal is to reduce drug-related crimes and enhance public safety through targeted enforcement, outreach, and collaboration with local organizations.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2025, Alberta RCMP seized fentanyl in 87 occurrences, including approximately 1.4 kilograms of solid fentanyl and more than 600 tablets. In 36 of those cases, officers also seized weapons ranging from knives and brass knuckles to firearms and 3D-printed gun parts. Seizures occurred in 34 RCMP detachment areas, with the highest concentration in Grande Prairie and Red Deer.
“The misery that is caused to the people of Alberta due to illegal drugs and related crimes cannot be understated,” said S/Sgt. Luke Halvorson, in charge of Community Safety. “The Alberta RCMP is committed to using every resource available — whether it’s at the detachment level or through specialized supports like our Community Response Teams — to target the root causes of crime.”
Partner agencies include ALERT, municipal police services in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada Border Services Agency, Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, Recovery Alberta, and several other organizations at the provincial and federal levels. The RCMP say these partnerships are key to mounting a coordinated and effective response to the province’s drug crisis.