$1M drug bust amongst largest in Lethbridge history

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
China has reasons to keep cool after U.S. downs suspected spy balloon
China may respond to the U.S. shooting down its suspected spy balloon after warning of 'serious repercussions,' but analysts say any move will likely be finely calibrated to keep from worsening ties that both sides have been seeking to repair.

New study highlights increasing prevalence of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian boys, young men
Canadian researchers are drawing attention to the increasing prevalence of 'a pathological pursuit of muscularity' among Canadian boys and young men, with a new study that found one in four were at risk of developing what's known as muscle dysmorphia.
Former Israeli PM: Putin promised not to kill Zelenskyy
A former Israeli prime minister who served briefly as a mediator at the start of Russia's war with Ukraine says he drew a promise from the Russian president not to kill his Ukrainian counterpart.
U.S. downs Chinese balloon, drawing a threat from China
The U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon off the Carolina coast after it traversed sensitive military sites across North America. China insisted the flyover was an accident involving a civilian aircraft and threatened repercussions.
Defence minister says Canada supports U.S. downing of Chinese balloon
The federal defence Minister says Canada 'unequivocally supports' the United States government's decision to shoot down a high-altitude surveillance balloon that was suspected of spying for China, noting the balloon violated Canadian airspace.
Justice minister open to amending bail laws, OPP commissioner says change 'needed now'
Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti says he is open to amending bail laws, which have come under increased scrutiny following the shooting death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer.
Poor oral health could affect the brain later in life: early study
An early study has shown keeping your gums and teeth healthy may have added benefits for your brain health.
Ukraine says 5 injured in rocket attacks on 2nd-largest city
Five people were injured in Russian rocket attacks Sunday in the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, officials said.
U.S. election skeptics slow to get sweeping changes in GOP states
Republicans in some heavily conservative states won their campaigns for secretary of state last year after claiming they would make sweeping changes aimed at keeping fraud out of elections.