Open air drug market operating in Ontario city shut down by police [Video]

Hamilton Police have shut down an open air drug market, and arrested 57 people that investigators allege have preyed on the vulnerable for several years.

Over the course of its investigation, police said 57 people were arrested and 103 charges were laid, adding 11 of those suspects were rearrested at least once, and three of the 11 were arrested three times.

The market, which had been operating near King Street and East Avenue, has been the subject of numerous community complaints for more than five years.

Police allege it was a sophisticated operation that preyed on multiple vulnerable people, adding it appeared to be run like a business with multiple roles and shift changes. Roles included look outs, runners and drug traffickers.

“These markets have an impact on the surrounding community, fostering feelings of insecurity, increasing the risk of crime and deterring businesses and residents from fully engaging with the area,” Hamilton …