Some of those arrested for suspicion of drug trafficking following a month-long investigation have been "red-zoned" from the downtown core, Prince George RCMP said Friday.
It was one of their conditions of release following their apprehension by police, and means they've been banned from the downtown area, where police said they were seen selling drugs, until the disposition of their charges is complete.
The city is also in the process of taking out the ground-level flower beds and has removed trees from Millenium Park next to the Fraser-Fort George Regional District office.
"Sustained enforcement, in combination with environmental design changes are critical with respect to enhanced safety in our downtown," Prince George RCMP Insp. Brad Anderson said."The City of Prince George has been very supportive with respect to our request to modify areas that historically have been problematic.
"Community partnership is vital to the success of the Prince George crime reduction strategy."
Crown counsel has not yet approved charges as a result of the initiative but police expect as many as 25 people will be charged.
In late September, police said cocaine, methamphetamine and over $10,000 in cash were seized and search warrants, supported by tips from the public, were executed on homes in the 1900 block of Strathcona Avenue, 2900 block of Nechako Drive and the 8700 block of Wapiti Road, police said.
