Lethbridge Police: Male charged with drug and weapons offences following hotel search warrant

Police have charged one man and seized drugs and weapons following a drug trafficking investigation at a south side hotel that officers have attended more than 50 times in the past few months.

In October an investigation was initiated by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in partnership with Lethbridge Police following community concerns about drug trafficking by tenants of the Superlodge hotel along the 2200 block of 7 Avenue South.

On Nov. 4, 2021 during the early morning hours a search warrant was executed and two people were taken into custody without incident. Police also seized quantities of methamphetamine, cash, cocaine, prescription medications, brass knuckles and a machete. The estimated value of the drugs is approximately $25,000.

Since August, LPS has attended the Superlodge more than 50 times in response to calls for service, including a shooting between a tenant of the hotel and another male.

“We have received many concerns from neighbouring residents near this property with respect to criminal activity including drug trafficking by the tenants and spin off crimes such as drug use in residential alleys, suspicious people and property offences,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Trevor Sheppard. “We want to assure the community that we will continue to dedicate resources to target this activity.”

ALERT is an important partner and conducts targeted investigations related to drug trafficking, gangs and firearm offences in the Lethbridge area.

Jerome Ross, 39, of Lethbridge, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property, possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon while prohibited by an order.

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Ross was remanded in custody to appear in court today.

The second subject who was arrested was released without charges.