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Open drug use in Kelowna's downtown core was the hot topic during the RCMP's annual report to city council on Monday.
Councillors commented on the public's ongoing worries about the use of drugs in broad daylight in popular areas like City Park, downtown bus loops and sidewalks.
Councillor Charlie Hodge commented that there appears to be a "revolving door" when it comes to criminals in the downtown area.
There has been less of an effort to hide open drug use said Councillor Brad Sieben, who mentioned the public often contacts him about the issue.
"We're not talking marijuana here," commented Councillor Mohini Singh, pointing to an increase in street level drug activity while questioning what's being done about the bigger players in the drug trade.
Kelowna RCMP Superintendent Brent Mundle, who delivered the force's annual report to council, highlighted the increased police presence on Leon Street, which included a two-day crackdown over the weekend that resulted in 11 people charged and 17 offenses in drug trafficking.
The RCMP have also deployed bike patrol and foot patrol officers for increased summer policing efforts in the downtown area.
However, Superintendent Mundle did comment on the complicated nature of removing those who openly use drugs off the streets.
"For drug offenses, it's typically possession of a controlled drug or substance, but it's usually such a small amount that there isn't a significant amount of evidence to charge them," explained Mundle.
"Depending on their criminal record, those caught with possession are typically released with an impending court date."
The annual report did include crime statistics that report 76 drug trafficking charges since February.
Also included in the report were operational plans for Centre of Gravity, which is set to take place next weekend in City Park.
According to Superintendent Mundle, the public can expect a substantial police presence at the music festival throughout the weekend.
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