The Codiac Regional RCMP is initiating a focused effort to address open-air drug use in the upcoming two months. Supt. Benoit Jolette, the commanding officer of Codiac RCMP, announced on Monday that the operation would involve both uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling areas like downtown Moncton, in addition to Dieppe and Riverview.
Jolette emphasized that the goal of the blitz is not to aggressively target individuals but to tackle the illicit public consumption of drugs and gather intelligence on drug supply networks. While Codiac sporadically addresses open-air drug use, Jolette highlighted that resource allocation often prioritizes more pressing incidents. He explained that the two-month blitz aims to intensify enforcement efforts within these limitations.
Moncton Mayor Shawn Crossman expressed satisfaction with the plan, indicating that the RCMP’s responsiveness to council concerns, particularly regarding public drug use, is encouraging. Council members, including Coun. Kate Doyle, underscored the importance of analyzing the data from the blitz to ensure that enforcement measures are effective and do not merely displace the issue to other locations lacking treatment or support services.
The blitz is scheduled to conclude in October, coinciding with deliberations on the 2027 budgets of the councils funding Codiac RCMP. Jolette proposed that the data gathered during the operation could inform discussions on resource allocation and the effectiveness of current strategies.
In the previous year, proposals to increase the number of officers within Codiac RCMP faced resistance from Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview councils due to a lack of required data. The decision on whether to seek additional officers in the 2027 budget remains uncertain, pending the Codiac Regional Policing Authority’s approval of the spending plan.
Apart from the current blitz, Codiac has implemented various pilot projects this year. Notably, a successful initiative involved allocating resources for dedicated officers patrolling downtown Moncton, leading to increased police visibility and community engagement. Another collaboration with health networks introduced the “Car 67” program, pairing RCMP officers with social workers to address mental health-related calls effectively.
Crossman emphasized the community’s longstanding demand for enhanced measures against crime and drug activities, reflecting a broader desire for improved public safety in the region.