Shotgun, Cocaine Seized from Alleged Lethbridge Drug Dealer

Lethbridge… Two people have been arrested by ALERT after a shotgun and cocaine were seized as part of a Lethbridge drug trafficking investigation.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team made the seizure on October 19, 2017 when a home in the 1200-block of 6 Avenue South was searched. Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP investigators worked collaboratively on the case, which began earlier this month.

“This was a short-term investigation, but the significance cannot be underestimated for neighbouring residents. Drug trafficking brings unwanted crime, violence and threatens community safety,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT.

The search of the home netted a 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition, a total of 330 grams of cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and $4,815 cash proceeds of crime. The estimated value of the drugs seized is $33,000.

Franklin Rodriguez, 33, is charged with the following offences and is scheduled to appear in court on October 20, 2017:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Careless storage of a firearm;
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• Knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm.

Taylor Elzinga, a 28-year-old woman, is charged with drug possession. Her next scheduled court appearance is November 30, 2017.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3