Charges laid after drugs, weapons seized from multiple southern Alberta homes

Several items, including firearms and cocaine, that were seized in southern Alberta as part of a drug trafficking investigation. (Source: ALERT)

Four people are facing charges after drugs and weapons were seized from multiple southern Alberta homes as part of a trafficking investigation late last month.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ (ALERT) organized crime unit searched homes in downtown Lethbridge, Raymond and Coalhurst on Nov. 21.

During the searches, police seized four firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, body armour, 230 grams of cocaine, 1,228 grams of suspected cocaine buffing agent, 41 unknown pills and $1,500 cash.

Police said one of the rifles seized is believed to have been converted to fully automatic. They also found two prohibited magazines.

The search warrants for the properties came as part of a drug trafficking investigation that began in June after ALERT received information about suspected drug dealers.

Four people are facing a number of firearm and drug offences in relation to the investigation.

“This is an extensive arsenal of prohibited and dangerous weapons to be in the hands of people involved in drug trafficking. This is an obvious threat to community safety and we’re glad to have these suspects in custody,” said Staff Sgt. Trevor Sheppard with ALERT Lethbridge.

Anyone with information about suspected drug or gang activity is asked to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).