Alberta’s ministers of public safety and mental health say the province is stepping up efforts to confront drug trafficking and expand addiction recovery services, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a renewed commitment to enforcement and care.

“The traffickers and dealers peddling deadly fentanyl and other narcotics to our most vulnerable are perpetrating suffering for thousands of Albertans,” said Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services. “We won’t stand idly and let these problems persist.”

Ellis said Alberta is investing in enforcement tools such as ALERT and the Alberta Sheriffs Interdiction Patrol Team while working with municipalities and community organizations to provide wraparound services to those affected by addiction.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to do whatever it takes to disrupt criminal networks, pursue the ill-gotten profits of drug traffickers and save lives,” Ellis said.

Mental health and addiction minister Rick Wilson said the province is also increasing access to treatment and recovery options. “We remember those we’ve lost, we support those still struggling, and we commit ourselves to building a province where recovery is possible for everyone.”

Wilson said Alberta has added more than 10,000 publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, expanded its Virtual Opioid Dependency Program and opened three of 11 planned recovery communities across the province.

He also highlighted the new Compassionate Intervention Act, which allows certain individuals — including family members and police — to request mandatory treatment for adults who are a danger to themselves or others due to addiction.

“The ultimate goal is to help people reclaim their lives and achieve better health and wellness,” said Wilson. “We will continue to invest in the people, programs and partnerships that make recovery accessible to all Albertans.”