Drug traffickers targeted and arrested during month-long project

Lethbridge Police have concluded a month-long city-wide enforcement project targeting street-level drug traffickers that resulted in the seizure of thousands of doses of drugs, more than two dozen arrests and numerous charges.  

With a significant increase in public drug use, trafficking and related criminal activities, such as break-ins and vehicle thefts, police worked to target street-level dealers in an effort to disrupt the distribution of drugs and reduce crime and social disorder. The operation, which began in mid-October and concluded earlier this week, involved a series of short-term investigations and included resources from the Alberta Sheriffs south SCAN unit working collaboratively with the LPS Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and Field Operations Division.  

“The results of this collaborative project are significant and represent the ongoing commitment by LPS and our law enforcement partners to continue targeting offenders who prey on our vulnerable population and wreak havoc on our community,” said Insp. Jason Dobirstein, who oversees the Criminal Investigation Division. “While the arrests and seizures most certainly disrupted the sale, flow and consumption of drugs in our community, we know our efforts will be short-lived and we are committed to continuing the deployment of resources to target the city’s most prolific drug offenders.”

In total, 26 people were arrested, 63 Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges were laid, more than $95,500 worth of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, narcotics, MDMA and psilocybin was seized, along with six firearms and more than a dozen weapons, including knives, tasers and a crossbow. Police also executed nine separate search warrants, eight arrest warrants, seized six vehicles and more than $22,000 in cash proceeds of crime. 

In addition to this initiative, police have also been conducting ongoing enforcement projects downtown targeting high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime.

Targeted enforcement projects are part of the Service’s strategic and annual policing plans to reduce crime and disorder and increase officer visibility to provide a safer community for all. 

Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity by calling 403-328-4444. LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies.