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Lethbridge… Six street-level drug dealers have been charged by ALERT in an effort to disrupt fentanyl trafficking, particularly in downtown Lethbridge.
ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team worked alongside Lethbridge Police Service on the investigation, which concluded with arrest warrants being issued on December 14, 2023.
ALERT’s focus was to identify and target street-level drug traffickers who were selling fentanyl in downtown Lethbridge, inclusive of the vulnerable population.
“Interrupting the supply of drugs to our addicted population is critical to saving lives and reducing harm in the downtown core and throughout the community,” said Insp. Russ Lawrence, Lethbridge Police Service.
Numerous seizures were made over the course of the investigation, all involving small amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Qualitative analysis of the fentanyl found a range of analogs, cutting agents, and ranged in purity from 0.1% up to 11%.
“These suspects charged have shown a pattern of consistent drug trafficking and a long history of benefitting from the sale of drugs. They are propagating and profiting from the opioid crisis, while lives are lost,” said Staff Sgt. Trevor Sheppard, ALERT Lethbridge.
The following suspects have been charged, all with at least one count of drug trafficking:
Meanwhile, arrest warrants have been issued for:
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.
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.