Child Endangerment Charges Laid in Lethbridge Drug Bust

Lethbridge… Five Lethbridge residents have been charged under Alberta’s Drug Endangered Children’s Act after ALERT seized nearly $100,000 worth of drugs and cash from two homes.

 On May 5, 2017, with the help of Lethbridge Police Service members, ALERT’s organized crime and drug unit in Lethbridge executed four search warrants on vehicles and homes in West Lethbridge to conclude an investigation that began in late 2016.

ALERT seized:

• more than 100 grams of cocaine;
• 993 grams of a cocaine cutting agent;
• $77,000 cash proceeds of crime;
• Two vehicles and a bicycle.

When the search warrants were executed, young children were found living in both homes. Child and Family Services are providing assistance with the investigation.

“Anytime we find children, especially of a young age, in residences where there’s drug trafficking or consumption, it’s a grave concern,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our communities are safe and children are taken care of.”

Walper adds that seizing the proceeds of crime from suspected drug dealers is just as important as seizing actual drugs. “Cash is what drug dealers are going to use to go buy more product,” he says. “Being able to intercept the cash prior to them reintroducing that into the economy is good for us, and it certainly puts a dent their ability to fund their criminal activities.”

A 33-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman have each been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime (x2). Another man, 28, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a controlled substance.

Those three people, plus two others – a 19-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man – have all been charged under the Drug Endangered Children Act. The names of those arrested are not being released to protect the identities of the children involved.

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Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of items seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2