Hundreds of street doses of meth, fentanyl seized during ongoing project targeting crime and disorder downtown

Lethbridge Police removed more than 450 doses of methamphetamine and fentanyl from the street, including large chunks of orange fentanyl which has been found at the scene of several fatal overdoses in the past week.

The seizures were part of an ongoing enforcement project targeting crime and social disorder downtown. 

The operation, involving a combination of uniform and covert officers actively targeting offenders engaged in criminal activity and other negative behaviours in the city centre, was initiated in March and the third project took place on May 24. 

Members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit and Community Peace Officers, executed 22 outstanding warrants resulting in the arrest of 11 people, charged three males with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and seized smaller quantities of drugs for destruction from 17 people. 

The targeted enforcement operation will continue throughout 2024 and businesses and visitors in the downtown area can expect to see a heightened police presence on the days the teams are deployed as officers work to actively target high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime. The operation was developed by police as part of the Service’s 2024 Annual Policing Plan, to help increase visibility and capacity in the downtown core. 

Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity downtown – or anywhere in the city – 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. 

Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $5,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.