ALERT busts Lethbridge drug trafficking operation, two Edmonton men charged

January 21, 2012

Lethbridge…Two men face charges after ALERT’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Lethbridge) wrapped up an investigation into a dial-a-dope operation in the city.

CFSEU-Lethbridge is an integrated team of Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS) members and RCMP. With help from the LRPS Community Policing Division, police arrested a man and a woman following a vehicle stop in the 1900 block of 23 Avenue North on January 16. CFSEU-Lethbridge executed a search warrant on the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of 10 grams of crack cocaine.

CFSEU-Lethbridge then executed a second search warrant on a residence in the 3600 block of 23 Avenue South where they seized approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine, 48 grams of marihuana, and $15,610 in cash. The crack cocaine has an estimated street value of over $17,000.

As a result of this investigation, two 24-year-old Edmonton residents are charged. Kevin PACHECO and Dain LEWIS are charged with two counts each of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of proceeds of crime. The woman was released without charges.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to police, or to Crime Stoppers by phoning 1-800-222-8477.

ALERT was established by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Staff Sergeant Wes Houston
CFSEU-Lethbridge
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
403-330-5061

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028