Operation Wunderland nets 23 people charges in downtown Calgary drug sting

Police in Calgary have laid drugs-related charges against 23 people after a five-week investigation dubbed Operation Wunderland.

The operation targeted street-level drug traffickers in parts of the downtown core from late March through April. It resulted in 190 charges being laid, police said.

Officers seized small quantities of marijuana, powder and crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

"There is a perception out there that when it's marijuana or it's just a small quantity of drugs that, 'What's the big deal.' But the reality is people have to walk by those people, they have to walk by and see this everyday, which is unacceptable," saidInsp.Cliff O'Brien.

"The other thing is there is violence associated with drug trafficking."

He says there had been an escalation of violence in District 1.

The investigation followed complaints from people who live and work in the area.

Warrants have been issued for another 12 suspects, police said.