On Reducing Illegal Drug Distribution and Organized Crime
By Richard Dowson Opinion/Commentary
The number of Saskatchewan deaths from illegal drugs is staggering.
In 2025, the Provincial Coroner’s Service identified304 confirmed deaths from an illegal drug overdose. (The Probable deaths from illegal drugs are 333.)
Imagine! 304 people would make up 14 hockey teams. More than an entire hockey league.
Sincere groups have tried different strategies.
Success is limited.
But something has to be done.
Organized Crime controls the sale and distribution of Illegal Drugs. Fighting Organized Crime is difficult. Innovative strategies are needed.
Maybe Sudbury Ontario has a good idea?
Is Technology is the Answer?
The Greater Sudbury (Ontario) Police Service has started using technology to deal with illegal drugs and other crime.
They installed 16 Stationary Automatic Licence Plate Readers.
Why? Greater Sudbury (Ontario) Police Service says, “As part of our ongoing commitment to community safety and well-being and targeting individuals who pose an elevated risk to the safety, security and wellness of Greater Sudbury, the Greater Sudbury Police Service … (installed) stationary Automated Licence Plate Reader (ALPR) systems at 16 strategic locations within our community.”
They go on to state, “Greater Sudbury is viewed as the gateway to the North for organized crime.” Drug trafficking is organized crime.
How it Works
The licence plate of a vehicle belonging to a person(s) of interest is identified.
Police then “… enter licence plates of interest into the ALPR System, (plates) such as stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with missing persons, amber alerts, human and weapons trafficking and organized crime, and vehicles involved in active and ongoing criminal investigations.”
Action is taken when the vehicle is seen on camera.
Canada Privacy Act – ALPTs Not an Infringement
Automated Licence Plate Readers do NOT violation of the Canadian Privacy Act.
They record Licence Plates, not people.
The ubiquitist doorbell camera is a greater violation of the Canada Privacy Act than an Automatic Licence Plate Reader.
Are ALPRs Used in Saskatchewan
Yes. Mobile Automatic Licence Plate Readers are in use in Saskatchewan and have been for several years.
“SGI has funded 173 automated licence plate readers (ALPRs) for the RCMP, Community Safety Officer (CSO) program, Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS), municipal police agencies, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol and Conservation.” (SGI)
Recommendation
Someone from the Ministry of Justice and/or city police services should telephone the good folks at the Greater Sudbury (Ontario) Police Service and find out if the Stationary ALPRs are a success.
Have they helped?
If they have helped, install them in Saskatchewan cities.
Writer Richard Dowson is a retired educator.
He is known for his frequenting local coffee shops and other places seniors gather.
In a previous life he wrote comedy for CHED in Edmonton.
His views may or may not reflect the views of this publication.