Joint Investigation Leads to Weapons, Drugs Seizure in Lethbridge

Lethbridge… A joint investigation between ALERT and the Lethbridge Police Service has led to the seizure of an SKS rifle, various weapons, and roughly $30,000 in drugs and cash.

The short-term investigation unfolded April 11 and 12, 2018, with the search of a Lethbridge hotel suite and the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker. Suspected carfentanil was located amongst various other drugs.

“Our agencies are committed to working together to get fentanyl off the street. However, some of these drug dealers aren’t getting the message and we will continue to be aggressive in our enforcement efforts,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper, ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime team.

The investigation began when LPS responded to a complaint at an east Lethbridge hotel suite on April 11, 2018. Inside the hotel room, police found an SKS rifle, ammunition, methamphetamine and cannabis, but the tenant was not located at the time of the search.

A day later, on April 12, 2018, ALERT provided assistance in locating the suspect. A 28-year-old woman was arrested and subsequently found in the possession of carfentanil, meth, OxyNeo pills, a taser and cash.

The value of the drugs and cash seized exceeds $30,000, including:

• an SKS rifle with ammunition;
• an imitation handgun;
• various weapons;
• 36 grams of suspected carfentanil;
• 113 grams of methamphetamine;
• 71 opioid pills;
• 8 grams of cannabis; and
• $3,500 cash proceeds of crime;

Samantha Hattersley, 28, is charged with:

• 12 firearms and weapons offences;
• possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 7);
• possession of a controlled substance;
• possession of proceeds of crime; and
• breach of recognizance (x 4).

The breach charges stem from a previous ALERT investigation into Hattersley. In February 2018, she was arrested with 114 grams of suspected carfentanil.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Notice to media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Drugs, cash and weapons | SKS rifle