ALERT continues its crackdown on drug trafficking in Lethbridge

August 14, 2012

Lethbridge…ALERT’s Lethbridge Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Lethbridge) continues to target drug trafficking in the community, laying charges against four residents.

On August 9, CFSEU-Lethbridge, an integrated team of Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS) and RCMP members, wrapped up an investigation into a suspected marihuana trafficker with the seizure of 4.3 kilograms of marihuana, valued at over $49,000 if sold on the street.

Following a vehicle stop, police arrested Drew Daniel Guy BOAKE, a 23-year-old Lethbridge resident, when a search of the vehicle turned up 700 grams of marihuana.

The investigation continued with the execution of two search warrants, the first at a garage in the 700 block of 13 Street North where police found an additional 2,800 grams of marihuana. The second search took place at a residence in the 2100 block of 23 Street North where another 791 grams of marihuana were seized, along with $840 cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia. A 2011 Dodge Ram and a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee were also seized.

BOAKE was charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Kyle Cody KERN, a 25-year-old Lethbridge resident, is also charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

In a separate investigation in early August, CFSEU-Lethbridge and LRPS again worked together to shut down a dial-a-dope operation involving the trafficking of heroin and Oxycontin, both of which were seized in small quantities.

As a result of that investigation, charges were laid against the following two Lethbridge residents who are known to police:

• Aaron Lee Michael SOOKOCHOFF, age 21, is charged with four counts of trafficking a controlled substance. He is set to appear in court on August 23, 2012.
• Grace Leanne MERCIER, age 26, is charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance. She is set to appear in court on August 31, 2012.

CFSEU-Lethbridge has been operating since April 1. Between April 1 and June 30, the team laid 74 charges against 18 people.

To report suspicious activity in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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.

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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)
780-690-1839