Montreal police arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of trafficking cocaine and crack after a public tip led officers to the Notre-Dame homeless encampment in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. The arrest, made on September 23, 2026, follows an investigation launched after authorities received a report that drug sales were targeting residents of the encampment.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody at the site of the alleged activity. Police said the investigation focused on a suspected ring that was distributing cocaine and crack to individuals living in the makeshift community, which has been identified as vulnerable to exploitation.
According to the police statement, officers acted on the information provided by a member of the public who reported the presence of drug dealing within the encampment. The tip prompted a targeted operation that resulted in the suspect’s detention. Details about the extent of the alleged trafficking network or any additional arrests have not been released.
The Notre-Dame encampment, located in the eastern part of Montreal, has been a focal point for social services and law‑enforcement agencies addressing homelessness and related public‑health concerns. The SPVM noted that the operation underscores its ongoing efforts to protect individuals residing in such environments from illicit activities that can exacerbate their precarious circumstances.
Police have not disclosed whether any drugs were seized during the arrest or if charges have been formally laid. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to assess the scope of the alleged drug‑trafficking operation and its impact on the encampment’s residents. The SPVM emphasized that community members are encouraged to report criminal activity to aid in maintaining safety within vulnerable neighborhoods.