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'We will be relentless': Creston RCMP focused on proactive policing in 2024

Eight kilograms of toxic drugs were removed from Creston's streets
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The Creston detachment received over 4,000 calls for service in 2024.

The local RCMP continue to strive for proactive policing, with a fully staffed detachment to support their work. 

In a typical year, the Creston detachment receives between 3,300 to 3,700 calls for service. In 2024, there were 4,147 in total – 2,288 for the municipality and 1,859 for the surrounding rural area. 

“It was a very busy year for us,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP. “It’s a significant uptick. I attribute a lot of proactive work to that increase.” 

Last year, one of the RCMP’s main strategic priorities was removing illicit drugs from the streets. 

“In order to build up investigations to the point of being supported by way of judicial authorizations, we need to corroborate the story leading up to it,” said Buliziuk. “In order to do that, there needs to be a lot of proactive work, which does create files.”

Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 11 search warrants were issued to seize illicit substances from accused drug traffickers in the Creston Valley.

“Per capita, that’s probably one of the highest numbers this side of the country,” said Buliziuk. “I want to caveat with that doesn’t necessarily mean we have a significant problem in our valley. It means that our members are doing a good job in working with the public to identify the places these substances are coming from and the proper steps are being taken to tackle this.”

These warrants led to approximately eight kilograms of toxic drugs being removed from the streets. Buliziuk said this is very substantial considering illicit opioids like carfentanil, which looks similar to table salt, can cause a fatal overdose with only one or two grains.

A partnership with the Civil Forfeiture Office also allowed a problem property, 1816 Ash Street, to be seized and sold. 

“We tried to deal with the owner of that property in a manner that would hopefully dissuade them from further criminal activity in the community,” said Buliziuk. “They chose not to co-operate, not to listen, and continued enforcement action was taken.” 

“Property owners and renters alike need to be aware and alive to the processes available to these types of investigations. If you are careless with your renting practices or willing to use your own property for the purposes of illicit drug trafficking, we will be relentless in our efforts to bring you to any form of justice.”

The RCMP may use the CFO, Canada Revenue Agency, as well as regional and municipal bylaws and tax issues in these instances.  

“These types of offenders will continue to receive the highest level of policing service in order for us to protect those vulnerable to these practices,” said Buliziuk.

Another strategic priority for Creston’s officers continues to be road safety, with increased enforcement, especially in school zones.

In total, 735 traffic tickets were handed out. 

“It’s not necessarily a positive, as it does mean the infractions are taking place,” said Buliziuk. “We’re probably just scratching the surface.”

As for mental health related occurrences, there was a minor decrease by seven files in 2024. 

“That trend, in a lot of places, is still going up every year. So to even see a slight decrease, I’m happy with that,” said Buliziuk, adding the partnerships with Interior Health and Creston Valley Hospital have been positive. 

“The amount of time that members are tied up in dealing with those instances seems to be decreasing as the process becomes more streamlined." 

From a resource standpoint, the local detachment continues to be 100 per cent staffed.

“We have a lineup of experienced officers wanting to come to Creston, which is another great thing. But no one wants to leave now, which is also good,” Buliziuk laughed.

In the last six months, two new reserve constables have also been brought on board. Essentially, they are retired RCMP officers working on a part-time basis, funded provincially. 

One specialized in media relations, while the other worked in the general investigations section on more advanced files. Buliziuk said both have valuable expertise to offer in spearheading new initiatives. 

Buliziuk is proud of his team’s community engagement too, mentioning members who are involved in coaching local sports and educating on police presence at the high school.

In 2024, the Creston RCMP Charity Foundation was established to primarily raise funds for children's needs. Just over $30,000 has been raised for children's charities, like Cops for Kids and Cram the Cruiser.  



Kelsey Yates

About the Author: Kelsey Yates

Kelsey Yates has had a lifelong passion for newspapers and storytelling. Originally from Alberta, she graduated from SAIT Polytechnic's journalism program in 2016. Now she calls the Kootenays home.
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