The province has used its Safer Communities Program to shut down a west Saint John home after an investigation into illegal drug activity.

A community safety order was executed under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act for the home at 68 Buena Vista Avenue.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety said an investigation found the property was being used for illegal drug activity.

Under the order, everyone in the home was required to vacate the property for 90 days as of November 1st.

“Community safety orders are issued by a judge following the submission of evidence that a property has been habitually used for a specified use adversely affecting a community or neighbourhood,” said a news release from the department on Friday.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit, also known as SCAN, shuts down properties that are regularly used for illegal activities.

That can include producing, selling or using illegal drugs; prostitution; unlawful sale or consumption of alcohol; unlawful activities linked to or promoting organized crime; child sexual abuse/exploitation; unlawful gaming activities; and possession of illegal firearms or explosives.

Residents can make a confidential complaint about problem properties to the SCAN unit, which will launch an investigation if there is enough evidence to support it.

Investigators will first try to resolve the issue through informal actions, such as a warning letter to the property owner.

The last resort is formal action, such as a community safety order, which can shut the building down for up to 90 days.