Record fentanyl seizure removes 11,700 doses from the street

Lethbridge Police have seized more than $372,000 worth of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine after responding to a report of drug trafficking activity downtown.

On June 11, just after 2 p.m., police responded to a drug complaint in a downtown parking lot, locating a male and female inside a vehicle. The female initially provided a false name, and when her true identity was confirmed she was found to have outstanding warrants and was breaching the conditions of a previous release order. During a search of the vehicle incidental to arrest, police located a sawed off .22 calibre shotgun, approximately 1,137 grams of fentanyl, 120 grams of cocaine, 58 grams of methamphetamine and nearly $10,000 proceeds of crime. In addition, the male was found to be in possession of a further 35 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of methamphetamine, several knives and a baton.

“This is the single largest seizure of fentanyl we’ve had in the city, and all because a citizen observed suspicious activity and called it in,” said Sgt. Ryan Darroch, Downtown Policing Unit. “The quantity seized is worth more than $350,000 and equates to just over 11,700 street doses that will no longer reach our vulnerable population.”

The additional drugs seized – methamphetamine and cocaine – are worth approximately $8,700 and $12,000 respectively. 

Sherry Lynn Hopkins, 48, of Lethbridge, is charged with six counts of failing to comply with a release order, three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm, obstructing a peace officer, use of a firearm while committing an offence, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of stolen property, possession of the proceeds of crime and fraudulent personation to avoid arrest. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Hopkins was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court today. 

Mark Edward Tanguay, 48, of Lethbridge, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and carrying a concealed weapon. Tanguay was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court August 7. 

Reporting criminal activity when it’s observed is critical to helping police stop it. Anyone who observes suspicious activity is asked to call police immediately at 403-328-4444.