The Fredericton Police Force's Direct Action Response Team (DART) continues to respond to community concerns surrounding open-air drug use and related criminal activity in Fredericton's downtown core and business improvement areas. While focused on addressing community complaints, DART's enforcement extends to all criminal offences identified during its operations, including warrant executions and repeat offenders.
During an operation on July 28, 2026, officers made three arrests, including two for open-air drug use and one for theft from a vehicle. Officers also conducted street checks, addressed public safety concerns at Kings Place and in and around downtown cemeteries, and carried out proactive enforcement at locations associated with ongoing criminal activity and community complaints. While doing so, officers attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop for a suspicious vehicle, which failed to stop and fled the area.
In a prior DART operation on July 24, officers made seven arrests, five of which were for open air drug use, executed five warrants, and seized approximately two ounces of suspected fentanyl, along with smaller quantities of suspected methamphetamine and prescription pills, and a large fixed-blade knife.
Over the past two months, DART operations have resulted in:
- 30 arrests, 14 of which were for open air drug use,
- executed 18 warrants,
- significant seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription pills,
- the recovery of stolen property,
- the seizure of multiple prohibited weapons, and
- the closure of three Repeat Priority Offender files.
The latest operations focused on locations identified through intelligence gathering and community complaints, including areas highlighted by the Community Safety Services Unit (CSSU) and concerns raised by residents and businesses. The operations were supported by the Fredericton Police Force's specialized units such as the Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU) and Police Dog Service (PDS).
Launched in May 2025, DART combines proactive enforcement, targeted investigations and officer development to address crime, disorder and public safety concerns, with a focus on public drug use, petty crime and street-level disorder in Fredericton's downtown core and business improvement areas.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The public are reminded to always call 911 if a crime is in progress or during an emergency.
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Media contact:
Sonya Gilks; Public Information Officer; Fredericton Police Force; Fpf.media@fredericton.ca; 506-460-2777