Massive drug bust yields nearly half a million dollar seizure

Lethbridge Police have seized nearly $500,000 worth of drugs and charged two people with trafficking offences. 

Earlier this year members of the Crime Suppression Team and Property Crimes Unit, initiated an investigation into drug trafficking activity that culminated with the execution of a search warrant May 28 at a home along the 600 block of 10 Street North. One male was arrested and police seized approximately 3.6 kilograms of cocaine, more than 1,600 MDMA (ecstasy) tablets, 46 grams of ketamine, 425 grams of psilocybin, 16,000 black stock cigarettes, six kilograms of cannabis, 500 cartridges of cannabis extract and $16,000 cash proceeds of crime. Additional drugs and paraphernalia including a small quantity of methamphetamine and other cannabis and tobacco products were also seized from the home.

As part of the investigation, police observed the driver of a vehicle engaged in activity consistent with drug trafficking and a targeted traffic stop was conducted along the 1100 block of 19 Street South. The female driver was subsequently arrested and a search incidental to arrest resulted in the seizure of nearly $2,300 cash proceeds of crime. 

Bradshaw Jerome Balog, 37, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000. 

Aspen Michayla Woodman, 26, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count each of possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000 and trafficking in a controlled substance. 

Following Judicial Interim Release hearings, both were released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court June 19.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.