A north Edmonton home linked to persistent drug activity has been ordered closed following a year-long Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit investigation. Residents first reported issues in April 2025, including frequent short-term visits to the property, and visitors sleeping outside on neighbouring lawns and behaving erratically. The investigation confirmed widespread evidence of drug activity in and around the home, with the SCAN unit working closely with the Edmonton Police Service.

After a warning letter failed to change behaviours, SCAN applied to the Court of King’s Bench and obtained a court order to close the property at 11259 159 Avenue NW for 90 days.

Beginning at noon on April 2, the property is required to be vacated, secured and monitored. Additional court-ordered conditions remain in place until June 30, 2028. The SCAN investigation is ongoing.

“This is a clear example of how community reporting, combined with strong enforcement, makes a real difference. 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.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

“This property met the threshold for court intervention. 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.”

Andrew Albers, inspector, SCAN

“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. 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.”

Deputy Chief Derek McIntyre, Community Safety and Wellbeing Bureau, Edmonton Police Service

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Quick facts

  • Since April 2025, the SCAN team received 12 confidential community complaints about drug activity at the property.
  • The property is in the heart of a busy family neighbourhood, close to shops, restaurants and a high school.

Related information

Related news

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Inspector Andrew Albers of SCAN will be available between 1:30 and 2 p.m. for on-camera interviews at 11259 159 Avenue NW in Edmonton.