In a recent City of Lloydminster survey on policing, which garnered 294 responses, a few areas of concern were noted. Especially when it comes to drugs and gangs.
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Some of the responses suggest people may not be fully aware of what is being done, as indicated by the use of sweeping statements. Be cautious of anyone using words like always, never, everyone, or no one. Very few factual situations can be accurately described using such absolutes, especially in the context of policing.
One area where respondents felt policing was not as effective as it should be was in addressing drugs and gangs. It’s important to remember survey answers are based on individual perceptions. Even the word problem is subjective, as people define it differently. The same goes for interpreting statistics—perception plays a role. For example, some people strongly believe there should be more traffic enforcement, while others believe there is already too much. So, is traffic a problem? That depends on who you ask.
Let’s start with the gang issue. Does Lloydminster have a gang problem? No—but let’s qualify that.
I’ve been posted in other communities that definitely had gang problems. Lloydminster doesn’t reach that level. Are there gang influences involved in criminal activity here? Absolutely. For example, drug distribution is often tied to organized crime, and gangs are part of that picture.
We determine these connections through intelligence gathering—not assumptions or gut feelings.
There are gang members, with varying levels of commitment to their gangs, who move in and out of the city.
However, our intelligence indicates they are not operating in Lloydminster with any regularity.
Now, does Lloydminster have a drug problem? By most accounts, yes. But, it’s also worth noting that virtually every community in North America faces a drug problem. Is it worse in Lloydminster compared to others? Not from what we’re seeing. That said, it still remains a policing priority.
It’s important to understand that police are bound by laws when investigating and arresting criminals—unlike criminals, who have no rules. That’s why a drug investigation may take weeks to develop into successful search warrants, arrests, and evidence seizures. The courts must be satisfied that we’ve acted within the law.
With the ongoing nature of addiction and the demand for drugs, there are always new dealers ready to fill the void when we arrest someone. Sometimes, the same dealer is back in business within days, and the investigative cycle starts again.
Methamphetamine and fentanyl are currently the most common drugs we’re seizing—and that is concerning. These substances affect users in ways unlike any drugs from the past. Twenty years ago, the most common drugs seized were crack cocaine, prescription pills, and cannabis. These did not impair users’ thinking to the extent that modern synthetic drugs do.
The cost of drugs to our community is significant. That’s why we invest so much time and effort into combating it—and why we continue to consider it a serious issue.
– Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown, is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future articles from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the April 10, 2025, edition of the Meridian Source.
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