Street-level drug traffickers targeted during enforcement project

Lethbridge Police have concluded a six-week, city-wide project targeting street-level drug traffickers that resulted in the seizure of thousands of doses of drugs, more than 150 criminal charges and two dozen arrests.

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 and mid-level dealers in an effort to disrupt the distribution of drugs and reduce crime and social disorder. The operation, which began in April and concluded at the end of May, involved a series of short-term investigations and included resources from the Alberta Sheriff’s Safer Communities And Neighbourhoods unit and ALERT’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Section, working collaboratively to support the LPS Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit, Operational Intelligence Unit and Crime and Strategic Analytics Section. 

In total, 26 people were arrested, 156 Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act charges were laid, nearly 12,000 street doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine were seized along with smaller quantities of narcotic pills, psilocybin and MDMA. In addition, police seized one firearm, seven vehicles and nearly $17,000 cash proceeds of crime. Twenty-five arrest warrants and two search warrants were also executed. 

“This operation is a direct response to the concerning rise in street-level drug trafficking and related criminal activity that impacts the safety and well-being of our community,” said Insp. Jason Walper, who oversees the Criminal Investigation Division. “By targeting both street and mid-level dealers, the goal is to disrupt the drug trade, reduce social disorder, and increase public safety. The successful outcome of this project—evidenced by numerous arrests, charges and substantial drug and cash seizures—reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of our officers and partner agencies. We remain committed to strategically targeting offenders and high-crime areas to ensure Lethbridge is safe place for everyone.”

A similar operation was previously conducted in the fall of 2024, resulting in the seizure of more than $95,000 in drugs, over $22,000 in cash, six firearms, more than two dozen other weapons and numerous Criminal Code and CDSA charges. More projects are planned for 2025, in tandem with another ongoing operation specifically targeting high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime in downtown Lethbridge. 

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.