Okotoks RCMP Crime Reduction Unit has busted another suspected drug dealer in town, bringing the tally to eight similar arrests since last summer.

The latest bust happened in Okotoks downtown on Valentine’s Day. Officers broke down the door of a unit in a four-plex on Stanley Avenue, following a two-week investigation into suspected drug dealing by the tenants.

Inside the house police found seven people, as well as crack cocaine, powder cocaine and marijuana.

Const. Jason Wells of the Okotoks RCMP said most of the people in the house were visiting two men who lived there, who were the target of the police investigation.

Police found half an ounce of crack cocaine worth just over $1,500, as well as a small amount of powder cocaine.

Christopher Louis Cherry, 27 of Okotoks, is charged with possession of crack cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Another man was charged with possession of cocaine, for the powder cocaine. He is awaiting trial for drug trafficking charges as a youth. Two others face minor charges and the remaining three people in the house were released without charges.

Cherry will appear in Okotoks Provincial Court March 1.

Wells said both men are known to RCMP. Cherry was released on $500 bail and is under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and is not allowed to carry a cell phone, or possess illegal drugs, or carry knives. The other man was released on the condition that he possesses no illegal drugs. They were both ordered to live at the address where they were arrested.

Caleigh Haworth lives down the street from where the drug bust occurred. She said there are sometimes loud parties on the block, but added that it was mostly quiet. She said that unit didn’t draw her attention.

“They’re younger people who throw parties sometimes,” Haworth said. “Its hard to differentiate between kids having a party and drug dealing.”

Haworth said it’s a little unsettling that the two have returned to the neighbourhood.

“It makes me a little uncomfortable,” she said. “But now that the police know who they are I’m sure they will keep an eye on them.”

Wells said the CRU officers are continuing to target street-level drug dealing in Okotoks and are monitoring those who they have arrested to ensure they are complying with their release conditions.

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