$1M drug bust amongst largest in Lethbridge history
![Patrick Rodney, $1M Lethbridge drug bust ALERT and Lethbridge Police Service officials stand next to drugs, weapons and cash seized during one of the largest busts in the city's history.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/1/25/patrick-rodney---1m-lethbridge-drug-bust-1-6245726-1674670961750.jpg)
The December search of two properties and two vehicles in Lethbridge led to the seizure of more than $1 million worth of illicit drugs as well as guns, cash and vehicles.
A 34-year-old man faces several charges in connection with the investigation that unearthed significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and ketamine.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) officials say a home in the London Road area and a garage in the community of Winston Churchill, as well as two vehicles, were searched on Dec. 20, 2022, leading to the seizure of:
- Four firearms including a loaded stolen handgun and a sawed-off shotgun;
- Two vehicles;
- 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine;
- 3.2 kilograms of cocaine;
- 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl;
- 418 grams of ketamine;
- 35 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and
- $79,000 in cash.
ALERT says the estimated street value of the drugs exceeds $1 million.
Patrick Rodney's charges include:
- Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of a property obtained by crime;
- Possession of a firearm obtained by crime; and
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition.
Rodney has been on ALERT's radar since October when tips emerged regarding his alleged connection to the drug trade.
ALERT says Rodney was previously charged in 2014 in connection with a separate drug trafficking investigation that resulted in a firearms prohibition.
The accused remains in custody ahead of his court appearance scheduled for Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.