EDMONTON â The Beverly Motel has been shut down for 30 days by a provincial police unit that targets organized crime.
The closure, effective Wednesday at the property on 118th Avenue at 44th Street, was announced by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams after a one-year investigation that uncovered drug trafficking and prostitution among the 17 rooms.
It is the first time in Canada that police have used Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, or SCAN, legislation to shut down a motel.
âResidents in this particular neighbourhood had a daily, front-row seat to public displays of drug-use, violence and prostitution,â said Chip Sawchuk, acting manager of the SCAN unit.
âWhen activity like that threatens the safety and enjoyment of a neighbourhood, SCAN will target the problem property and shut it down if necessary, whether it is a private residence or a business,â he said.