Rifle Seized from Suspected Lethbridge Drug Dealer

Lethbridge… An SKS rifle and cocaine were seized from a suspected Lethbridge drug dealer following an investigation by ALERT.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team seized the drugs and firearm from a north Lethbridge home on January 17, 2018. The Lethbridge Police Service provided assistance with the search warrant execution and the arrest of suspected drug dealer Tyson Shiels.

ALERT seized 138 grams of cocaine, 2.5 grams of cannabis, and several unknown pills. The drugs were seized alongside an SKS rifle and ammunition, which the suspect did not lawfully possess.

“Taking a gun off the streets, and out of the hands of an alleged drug dealer, goes a long way towards ensuring our neighbourhoods remain safe,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT.

ALERT also seized $16,580 cash proceeds of crime and a 2016 Dodge pick-up truck. Both the cash and vehicle will be submitted to Alberta’s civil forfeiture office for review.

Shiels, 26, has been charged with:

• possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• possession of proceeds of crime;
• unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• careless storage of a firearm;
• careless storage of ammunition; and
• drug possession.

ALERT’s investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges are possible.

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: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3