Winnipeg police, mayor to release details of plan to crack down on public illicit drug use, sales

Winnipeg Police Service officials and the city’s mayor are planning to release details Friday on a new initiative meant to address open drug use and drug trafficking in public places.

Mayor Scott Gillingham, Winnipeg police Chief Gene Bowers and Supt. Brian Miln, who commands the service’s uniformed operations, are expected to speak to reporters Friday morning.

The initiative, which comes in response to an “overwhelming number of community concerns and public safety issues,” will include an increased police presence in neighbourhoods with frequent open drug use, police said.