Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi, a leading harm reduction researcher, testified in court earlier this year regarding the impact of injection sites in Toronto. He stated there is "no evidence" that these sites lead to increased drug sales. His comments were part of an affidavit submitted as an expert witness in a case involving an injection site in Kensington. The site is challenging a new Ontario law that restricts such facilities from operating within 200 meters of schools and daycares, claiming it violates the Charter rights of drug users.

Bayoumi's affidavit also referenced a review of the South Riverdale Community Health Centre's injection site. This review followed the tragic death of Karolina Huebner-Makurat, a mother of two, who was killed in a gunfight between drug dealers outside the site on July 7, 2023. After the incident, Bayoumi conducted community consultation sessions and reported that about 50 local residents noted a significant presence of drug dealing in the area.

Despite these concerns, Bayoumi dismissed the residents' observations as "anecdotal evidence," which he considers the weakest form of evidence. This dismissal raises questions about the ongoing trial of Damian Hudson, who is charged with Huebner-Makurat's murder. The trial has revealed substantial evidence regarding drug dealing at the South Riverdale site, contradicting Bayoumi's claims.

Testimonies from employees at the injection site indicated that drug dealing was rampant. They reported that dealers frequently entered and exited the facility and even sold drugs inside. This contradicts the health center's previous assertions that they maintained a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug dealing since the site opened in 2017.

The courtroom has seen extensive video evidence showing drug activity around the site before and after the shooting. Khalila Mohammed, a former employee who pleaded guilty to aiding a drug dealer, testified about her experiences. She admitted to lying to police to protect her associates and described the environment at the site as one where drug dealers were treated with respect.

Mohammed revealed that her manager instructed staff to treat drug dealers as part of the community, stating, "without them, we don’t have clients." This approach led to dealers receiving free items like cigarettes and bottled water, while clients were often referred to derogatorily.

Surveillance footage captured drug dealers congregating near the site, engaging in suspicious activities. During the trial, it was shown that multiple dealers were present during the gunfight, raising concerns about the safety and operations of the injection site.

The trial has also highlighted the relationship between Hudson and Mohammed, which developed through text messages leading up to the shooting. These messages indicated Hudson's intent to connect with her clients for drug sales, showcasing the challenges of enforcing a zero-tolerance policy in such environments.

As the trial continues, the evidence presented raises significant questions about the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies and the realities of drug dealing around injection sites in Toronto. The ongoing legal proceedings will further explore these issues and their implications for community safety and drug policy.