September 18, 2014   

Baby Rescued by ALERT in Lethbridge Drug Investigation 

Lethbridge… A 24-year-old Lethbridge mother was arrested by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) after her newborn baby was being brought along on suspected drug dealing.

The baby boy, who is less than a month old, was removed from a vehicle along with nearly $9,000 worth of crack and powder cocaine. The boy’s mother, a 24-year-old Lethbridge woman, and a 17-year-old young offender were also arrested.

ALERT’s Lethbridge team, which includes members of Lethbridge Regional Police Service and RCMP, made the arrest on the evening of September 16th. Investigators witnessed the accused engaged in behaviour consistent with drug trafficking and made the decision to prematurely conclude the investigation in order to protect the welfare of the child.    

Southern Alberta Child and Family Services were notified and are assisting with the investigation. The baby was placed in the care of a family member. 

The arrest took place at a vehicle stop in Claresholm, Alta. The cocaine was individually packaged, totaling 85 grams. Other drug paraphernalia, including digital scales and packaging materials was also seized.

The 24-year-old Lethbridge woman, who is not being named in order to protect the identity of the baby, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance. 

The 17-year-old youth was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of proceeds of crime.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Nearly 400 municipal police, RCMP, and sheriffs work in ALERT.

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January 16, 2015

Lethbridge Man Extradited for role in Cartel Cocaine Importation

Lethbridge… Hector Armondo Chavez has been extradited to the United States for his role in a cocaine importation investigation between Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), Lethbridge Regional Police Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Chavez, a 28-year-old Mexican national who resided in Lethbridge, was handed over to U.S. Marshalls in Calgary on January 15 and boarded a flight to Colorado. Chavez has been wanted by the DEA in Colorado since 2010 for drug trafficking charges.

Chavez was indicted, along with six others, in 2010 for the importation of cocaine from Mexico.  The cocaine was brought to Colorado, where it was then later sent to Canada. 

The investigation dates back to April 30, 2010 when Calvin Wayne Skidmore of Coalhurst, Alta. was arrested at the Del Bonita Port of Entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. A search of his vehicle yielded 46 packages of cocaine, equating to 16.5 kilograms, concealed in hidden compartments.

In addition to Chavez, two others named in the indictment, Mexican nationals Martin Javier Alamos-Delgado and Martin Javier Alamos-Garcia, remain fugitives in Mexico.  Defendant Javier Batista Cervantes is a Mexican national living in Lethbridge and is appealing his extradition order.  Defendant Hernandez-Renteria is deceased.  Dionisio Salgado, a U.S. citizen, pled guilty in a related case in federal court in Colorado and was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.  Skidmore pled guilty in a related case in the District of Montana and was also sentenced to 10 years in prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney General, if convicted of conspiracy, Chavez faces not less than 10 years, and up to life in federal prison, as well as up to a $4,000,000 fine.  If convicted of two charges of using a telephone for drug trafficking, Chavez faces not more than 4 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine, per count.

When you face federal drug trafficking charges, you can run to another country, but you can’t hide there forever,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.  “U.S. law enforcement, working with our international partners, can locate a defendant, as was the case with Defendant Chavez, and file extradition papers, which ultimately results in the person returning to the U.S. to resolve the indictment.”

“The extradition of Hector Armondo Chavez to the United States is an example of a commitment to international cooperation,” said DEA Denver Special Agent in Charge Barbra Roach.  “The Drug Enforcement Administration thanks the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), Lethbridge Regional Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance in this extradition.”

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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January 28, 2015

Four Arrested in ALERT Lethbridge Bust

Lethbridge… Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) arrested four people in relation to a drug trafficking investigation, with drugs and guns being seized from a South Lethbridge home.

On January 23 ALERT Lethbridge, an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Regional Police Services and RCMP members, executed a search warrant at a home in the 700-block of 13 Street South.

A search of the residence yielded roughly $15,000 worth of drugs and further evidence to suggest drug trafficking, including:

• 115 grams of cocaine;
• 400 grams of marihuana;
• 1 glass container of hash oil;
• Drug paraphernalia, including scales and score sheets;
• $4,245 in cash proceeds of crime.

ALERT Lethbridge also recovered two guns and body armour vests. One of the firearms was 12-gauge shotgun, and the other was a semi-automatic Ruger .22 caliber rifle equipped with a silencer and stock modifications to allows for a higher capacity magazine.

Four people are facing a total of 19 charges:

• Shane Poole, 25, possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of a controlled substance, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance (x 2).
• Forrest Visser, 20, possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of a controlled substance, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance.
• Brady Galts, 25, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance (x 2), possession of property obtained by crime (x 2), possession of body armour.
• Alicia Poole, 21, possession of a controlled substance (2).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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February 25, 2015

Drugs, Guns, and Stolen Property Seized in Lethbridge

Lethbridge… Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has seized drugs, guns, and stolen property from a Lethbridge apartment building. Nine people were arrested.

ALERT Lethbridge, with the assistance of the Lethbridge Regional Police Services, executed two search warrants at a south Lethbridge apartment building on February 20. The raids concluded a short-term investigation into suspected drug trafficking.

An estimated $25,000 worth of drugs were seized, including:

• 170 grams of hard and soft cocaine;
• 88 fentanyl pills;
• 94 ecstasy pills;
• 16 grams of methamphetamine;
• 130 grams of a buffing agent;
• $3,461 cash proceeds of crime.

A Colt handgun, several replica handguns, and other weapons were seized in the searches. ALERT also seized a variety of stolen property, including a 70-inch LED television. ALERT will be working with Lethbridge Regional Police Services to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.

Jason Anthony Morin, 44, was the target of the investigation and was amongst the nine people arrested. Morin is accused of:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 4);
• Possession of a controlled substance (x 2);
• Proceeds of crime (x 3);
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Possession of stolen property (x 2);
• Breach of prohibited order (x 6).

Additional charges are being contemplated for the remaining suspects.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Calgary…A man accused of supplying cocaine and fentanyl to the Lethbridge region has been arrested in Calgary by members of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

On May 1 members of ALERT, an integrated team of Calgary Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, and RCMP members, executed two search warrants in Calgary. More than $50,000 worth of cocaine and fentanyl was seized, alongside a handgun and body armour.

Kousuke Kano, 28, was believed to be supplying drugs from the Calgary area to Lethbridge street-level dealers. ALERT found evidence that a storage locker in a Calgary industrial area was being utilized to package and press cocaine. Investigators seized a cocaine press and quantities of a buffing agent.

The drugs and weapons seized included:

• 373 grams of cocaine;
• 310 fentanyl pills;
• 6 grams of methamphetamine;
• 42 unknown pills;
• Body armour;
• Ruger handgun with ammunition;
• $27,000 in cash proceeds of crime.

Kano is facing 11 drug and weapons related charges, including:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 3);
• Possession of cocaine;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Possession of a prohibited weapon;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Possession of a restricted weapon with ammunition;
• Possession of a firearm contrary to order (x 2);
• Possession of body armour.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge… Javier Batista Cervantes has been extradited to the United States for his role in a cocaine importation investigation between Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), Lethbridge Regional Police Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Cervantes, a 35-year-old Mexican national who resided in Lethbridge, was handed over to U.S. Marshalls in Calgary on May 12 and boarded a flight to Colorado. Cervantes has been wanted by the DEA in Colorado since 2010 for drug trafficking charges.

Cervantes was indicted, along with six others, in 2010 for the importation of cocaine from Mexico.  The cocaine was brought to Colorado, where it was then later sent to Canada. Co-accused Hector Armondo Chavez was extradited from Lethbridge earlier this year on January 15.

The investigation dates back to April 30, 2010 when Calvin Wayne Skidmore of Coalhurst, Alta. was arrested at the Del Bonita Port of Entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. A search of his vehicle yielded 46 packages of cocaine, equating to 16.5 kilograms, concealed in hidden compartments.

According to the U.S. Attorney General, if convicted of conspiracy, Cervantes faces not less than 10 years, and up to life in federal prison, as well as up to a $4,000,000 fine.  If convicted of two charges of using a telephone for drug trafficking, Cervantes faces not more than 4 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine, per count.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge… Two Lethbridge women were arrested and are facing charges under Alberta’s Drug-endangered Children’s Act after bringing a three-year-old girl to an alleged drug deal, according to Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

ALERT Lethbridge, an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Regional Police Service and RCMP members, made the arrest on May 25 as part of an operation targeting street-level fentanyl sales in Southern Alberta. Moments after witnessing the accused complete a roadside fentanyl deal, with the toddler in the backseat, ALERT terminated the operation and made the arrest.

Officers believed the safety of the child was in jeopardy and made the decision to prematurely conclude the investigation in order to protect the welfare of the child.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 27 fentanyl pills and a small amount of crack cocaine. Fentanyl, a highly addictive and deadly opioid, has been linked to a number of overdoses throughout the province and its presence around children causes particular concern for ALERT.

Two Lethbridge women, aged 25 and 26, were arrested. Both are facing drug trafficking charges in addition to charges under Alberta’s Drug-endangered Children’s Act. The accused will not be named in order to protect the identity of the child.

The Drug-endangered Children’s Act makes it clear that children exposed to an adult’s involvement in serious drug activity, such as manufacturing and trafficking, are victims of abuse and need protection. Alberta became the first jurisdiction in Canada to adopt the legislation on November 1, 2006.

Child and Family Services was notified and the child was placed in the care of a family member.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge…Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has raided a Lethbridge apartment suite that was being used to manufacture crack cocaine.

ALERT Lethbridge, an integrated team comprised of Lethbridge Regional Police Service and RCMP members, searched the apartment suite on Lakemount Boulevard South on May 27. Investigators seized nearly $23,000 worth of crack cocaine that was packaged for street-level sales.

Crack is made by dissolving cocaine powder and boiling it in a mixture of water and ammonia or baking soda. Once cooled into a solid substance, it forms into small pieces often referred to as “rocks”. Crack is often smoked and is highly addictive.

The following items were seized as result of the ALERT search warrant:

• 229 grams of crack cocaine;
• 75 grams of a buffing agent;
• $3,065 in cash proceeds of crime;
• Cooking glassware used in crack production.

The investigation began in early April after ALERT received information about a Lethbridge crack supplier. The target of the investigation, Abdirahman Warsame, 24, was arrested inside the apartment at the time of the search.

Warsame has been charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Production of a controlled substance;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Possession of a controlled substance.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge… Five hundred fentanyl pills were prevented from hitting the Lethbridge streets after Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) intercepted a shipment outside of city limits.

The fentanyl pills, along with cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, were seized at a traffic stop on July 8. ALERT Lethbridge, an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Regional Police Service and RCMP members believe the drugs were being transported from Calgary.

ALERT seized the following drugs, with an estimated street value of $26,000:

• 500 fentanyl pills;
• 19 grams of cocaine;
• 2.5 grams of heroin;
• 2 grams of methamphetamine.

Three people were arrested. One of the suspects was out on bail from previous ALERT fentanyl bust that occurred in March 2015. More than 300 fentanyl pills were seized at that time.

• Grant Lamane, 25, is charged with breach of recognizance;
• Natasha Brooks, 25, is charged with possession of a controlled substance;
• Paulo Murphy-O’Niell, 23, is charged with breach of recognizance (x 2), possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), driving while disqualified.

The vehicle the accused were driving, a 2003 Acura, was pulled over and searched on Highway 3 just outside of Lethbridge.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge… Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has charged two Lethbridge residents with numerous drug-related offences following a traffic stop that yielded cocaine, methamphetamine, and pills.

ALERT Lethbridge, an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Regional Police Service and RCMP members, made the arrest and seizure on September 17 in Claresholm.

A search of the vehicle yielded:

• 233 grams of crack cocaine;
• 26 grams of powder cocaine;
• 56 grams of methamphetamine;
• 117 illicit prescription pills;
• Various weapons, included replica handgun.

The drugs have an estimated street value of over $35,000.

Mark Brown, 45, is facing 12 drug and weapons related charges. Brown’s passenger in the vehicle, Rose Long Time Squirrel, 45, is charged with possession of crack cocaine. Both were released from custody and awaiting court appearances on October 2 and 16, respectively.

The investigation began in August after ALERT received information about Brown’s suspected drug trafficking activities. Anyone with information about drug activity in their community is asked to contact police, or can do so anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Lethbridge… A Lethbridge couple is facing charges under the province’s drug-endangered children’s act following an ALERT investigation that uncovered evidence of drug trafficking at the family’s home.

On April 12, ALERT Lethbridge and Lethbridge Police Service executed a search warrant at a home in West Lethbridge and seized cocaine, marijuana, and codeine pills. Six people were inside the home at the time of the search, including five youths with the youngest being an infant.

ALERT believes that drugs were being sold from the home and a 39-year-old woman and 39-year-old man were arrested. The couple, whose names are not being release in order to protect the identities of the children, are facing a number of charges relating to drug trafficking and a charge of causing a child to be drug-endangered.

Upon the execution of the search warrant, officers took every necessary precaution to minimize the impact on the children. Victim Services was on-hand to provide assistance and relocated the five youths to a family member’s residence. Child and Family Services was notified.

The search warrant comes on the heels of a related drug arrest that took place on April 2 and involved the 39-year-old accused. Vulcan RCMP assisted ALERT with a traffic stop that resulted in cocaine being seized from the vehicle. ALERT believes the accused was returning to the Lethbridge area after re-loading his drug supply.

The total value of drugs seized in both seizures is estimated at $38,500, and included:

• 352 grams of powder and crack cocaine;
• 155 codeine pills;
• 24 grams of marijuana;
• 8 grams of cannabis resin;
• $200 in counterfeit U.S. currency;
• Replica handgun.

The 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody, pending his next court appearance. The 39-year-old woman was released with several conditions imposed.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… A short-term investigation by ALERT has led to charges against a suspect Lethbridge drug dealer. Fentanyl, cocaine, and a double-barrel shotgun were amongst the items seized.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team arrested Curtis Larko, 41, on May 19 after he departed a south side restaurant. A search warrant executed at Larko’s home in the 1500-block of St. Francis Road North a short time following the arrest. ALERT Lethbridge is an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP members.

As result of the search, nearly $20,000 worth of drugs and cash was seized, including:

• Double-barrel shotgun;
• 14 shotgun shells;
• 98 fentanyl pills;
• 5 grams of cocaine;
• 37 grams of methamphetamine;
• 20 morphine pills;
• 74 grams of marijuana;
• 7 tabs of suspected LSD;
• Packaging, scales, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.

ALERT recently opened the investigation into Larko after receiving information suggesting he was involved in drug trafficking in the Lethbridge area.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Calgary… Operation ICE Storm 3 has led to the arrest of 10 child sexual exploitation suspects. ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team made the arrests in Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.

Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) team initiated Operation ICE Storm 3 in November 2015 and focused on high-level targets that were sharing and distributing vast collections of child sexual exploitation photos and videos.

ICE is an integrated team that includes members of Calgary Police, Lethbridge Police, and Medicine Hat Police, and RCMP members. ICE investigates offences involving child pornography, any computer-related child sexual abuse, child luring over the Internet, voyeurism involving victims under the age of 18, and child sex trade/tourism.

Over the past eight months, ICE investigators conducted 30 search warrants across Southern Alberta and seized 285 computers, mobile devices, and storage drives. Approximately half of the devices seized have been analyzed thus far, representing 40 terabytes of data, and nearly 50,000 child sexual exploitation photos and videos have been identified.

Some of the victims in the photos are estimated to be as young as 6 months and depict extreme sexual abuse.

At this point of the investigation, ICE investigators do not believe any of the victims are from Alberta, or that any hands-on offences had taken place. Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact police or cybertip.ca.

Operation ICE Storm 3 focused on child sexual exploitation photos and videos being traded on peer-to-peer file sharing networks. ICE prioritized suspects with the largest collections and some of the most graphic content.

A total of 10 suspects were arrested and each face charges of possession of child pornography, access child pornography, and make available child pornography.

• Troy Millington, 45, of Calgary;
• William Norn, 68, of Calgary;
• Robert Rogers, 42, of Lethbridge;
• Robert Thompson, 33, of Calgary;
• John Tulloch, 25, of Lethbridge;
• Stefan Mogck, 35, of Medicine Hat;
• Michael Henderson, 68, of Medicine Hat;
• Gabriel Pereira, 42, of Calgary;
• Victor Rahal, 52, of Medicine Hat;
• Oscar Asensio, 41, of Calgary.

None of the accused individuals are considered to be in positions of public trust and/or authority.

Previously, ALERT arrested 10 individuals as part of the initial Operation ICE Storm in April 2014. In September 2015, 8 suspects were arrested in the second version of the operation.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team has arrested a 61-year-old Calgary man for alleged child sexual exploitation offences committed against a Lethbridge teen.

Laurence Bouwmeester, 61, was arrested by Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigators at his Calgary home on August 23. ICE members from Calgary Police, Lethbridge Police, and RCMP collaborated on the case.

ICE alleges that Bouwmeester was engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a Lethbridge teen boy, who was 14 years old when they had met online. The relationship progressed to physical sexual offences being committed and took place over a period of two years.

ICE began investigating when a complaint was made to Lethbridge Police in March 2016. The victim’s parents discovered sexually explicit messages, photos, and videos on the victim’s computer. ICE took over the investigation and was able to identify the suspect.

When ICE searched Bouwmeester’s home a number of electronic devices and computers were seized. An initial scan of the seized devices found a number of child sexual exploitation photos, which also led investigators to believe there might be additional victims.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

Bouwmeester was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on September 2 for the following charges:

• Sexual assault;
• Sexual interference;
• Luring to make child pornography;
• Luring for sexual assault;
• Make child pornography;
• Possess child pornography;
• Access child pornography;
• Making sexually explicit material available to a child.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… A total of 777 fentanyl pills were seized in Lethbridge the past week as the result of two separate investigations by ALERT. A loaded handgun was also seized from a known gang member.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team made the seizures as part of an effort to limit the supply of fentanyl hitting city streets. ALERT is an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP officers.

On October 13, 2016 ALERT seized 193 fentanyl pills after searching two homes and two vehicles in Lethbridge. In addition to the fentanyl, police seized 24 grams of cocaine, $3,400 cash proceeds of crime, and a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun.

Three people were arrested, including alleged Mad Cowz gang member Corey Amyotte, 29, and associates Ali Zalfo, 22, and Jerry Bull, 33. The three men face a total of 32 charges relating to drugs and firearms offences.

The second fentanyl seizure took place on October 20 when a vehicle stop was conducted in Aldersyde, Alta., which is located approximately 40 kilometres south of Calgary. A total of 584 fentanyl pills were found in a vehicle that police believe was destined for Lethbridge.

William Hatch, 33, and Awet Abraha, 28, were arrested and charged with six drug-related offences.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… Four people were arrested when ALERT executed a search warrant at a suspected drug house, which was operating across the street from a Lethbridge elementary school.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang concluded a drug trafficking investigation on November 17 when a search warrant was executed at a home on Meadowlark Boulevard. The home was allegedly a hub for drug activity and Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP members assisted with the search.

Inside the home ALERT found 243 grams of crack cocaine, 4 Percocet pills, $6,323 cash proceeds of crime, and evidence consistent with drug trafficking. Another home in the 1300-block of 7 Street was also searched and 12 grams of cocaine located. The drugs have an estimated street value in excess of $25,000.

ALERT conducted the short-term investigation after learning just weeks earlier that the home was allegedly being used to sell drugs. The investigation was fast-tracked given the home’s proximity to the school and public safety ramifications.

Four men were arrested inside the Meadowlark Blvd. home and have each been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

• Abdual Kadir Salad, 20, of Calgary;
• Mohamed Yusuf Isse, 26, of Ottawa;
• Abdulghani Kalif Youse, 23, of Toronto;
• Wayne Brown, 25, of Lethbridge.

Another suspect was arrested at the home on 7 Street. A 22-year-old woman is charged with possession of a controlled substance and charges under the drug-endangered children’s act. A two-year-old child was located inside the home and Child and Family Services was contacted. The accused is not being named in order to protect the identity of the child.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… Six people were arrested following a significant cocaine seizure in Lethbridge. ALERT seized more than $50,000 worth of crack cocaine as result of an investigation tied to a previous bust.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team made the seizure on November 23, 2016 with the help of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP. A north Lethbridge home, located in the 1300-block of 23 Street North, was searched and 526 grams of crack cocaine located.

The most recent seizure came in connection to drug bust that took place the previous week when homes on Meadowlark Boulevard and 1300-block of 7 Street North were searched. ALERT was able to use information gained during that initial investigation to move up the drug chain and identify the alleged suppliers.

RELATED: Drug House Taken Down Across from Lethbridge School

The drugs seized on November 23 have an estimated street value of over $50,000 and include:

• 526 grams of cocaine;
• 22 grams of a buffing agent;
• 15 oxycodone pills;
• Replica firearm;
• $3,340 cash proceeds of crime.

Six people were arrested and face a total of 14 criminal charges related to drug trafficking:

• Abdual Kadir Salad, 20, of Calgary;
• Mohammed Yusuf Isse, 26, of Ottawa;
• Liban Mohamed Hassan, 31, of Calgary;
• Hanad Warsame, 22, of Toronto;
• Walter Courtoreille, 55, of Lethbridge;
• Paul McCarthy, 37, of Lethbridge.

Salad and Isse were both charged in the first phase of the investigation and were released on bail. In addition to new drug charges, they are also charged with breach of recognizance charges.

Warsame was wanted on warrants in relation to a drug trafficking investigation in Yellowknife, NWT.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… A suspected Lethbridge fentanyl dealer is out two vehicles and more than $10,000 cash following an ALERT bust that unfolded in Lethbridge and Coalhurst. ALERT seized 271 fentanyl pills and a loaded handgun.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team concluded the investigation on December 1, 2016 with help from Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP Coaldale. The investigation targeted a suspected fentanyl dealer operating in the two neighbouring communities.

ALERT seized 271 fentanyl pills, a loaded handgun, $13,315 cash proceeds of crime, and two vehicles. The vehicles, worth an estimated $30,000, and cash were seized as offence related property and will be referred to civil forfeiture.

“Unfortunately, fentanyl dealers are profiting at the expense of people’s lives. We are all aware of the perils and societal cost of this horrible drug and ALERT will continue to target fentanyl dealers and hold them accountable,” said S/Sgt. Rod Klassen.

The handgun was found unsecured and equipped with a prohibited 22-round magazine. The handgun appears to have been illegally modified with aftermarket parts and the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team is providing assistance.

Daud Mohamed is charged with 14 criminal offences relating to drugs and firearms. The 29-year-old was arrested leaving a home on Mt. Blakiston Road West. He has been charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2);
• Careless storage of a firearm;
• Possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public;
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon (x 2);
• Knowingly possess unauthorized firearm;
• Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm;
• Possess of a firearm obtained by crime;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm;
• Possession of prohibited ammunition;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Possession of proceeds of crime (x 2).

Mohamed’s associate, Morgan Mitchell was arrested at the home on Mt. Blakiston Road West. The 21-year-old was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… ALERT has seized nearly 300 fentanyl pills as the result of search warrants being executed at two north Lethbridge homes.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team conducted the searches on December 14, 2016 with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP. Homes were searched on St. Francis Road North and Stafford Road North.

The search of the two homes resulted in the following items being seized:

• 298 fentanyl pills;
• 70 ecstasy pills;
• 1 gram of methamphetamine;
• 10 grams of marijuana;
• 27 grams of an unknown white powder;
• $5,150 cash proceeds of crime.

Brandon Boriskewich, 32, and Curtis Larko, 41, were charged with multiple drug-related offences. ALERT began its investigation after receiving information concerning Larko’s suspected drug trafficking. Larko was previously charged by ALERT as the result of a similar investigation in May 2016.

Larko is charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance (x 2);
• Failure to comply with recognizance (x 2);
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2).

Boriskewich is charged with:

• possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• possession of proceeds of crime.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Lethbridge… Over $1 million worth of drugs and proceeds of crime were seized following an ALERT investigation in Lethbridge. Four homes were searched and three people arrested in what is believed to be the city’s largest drug seizure.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team, an integrated unit comprised of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP investigators, made the seizure on February 11, 2017. Significant quantities of a range of drugs were seized, along with four firearms, four vehicles and cash proceeds of crime.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $1.2 million and include:

• 8,054 ecstasy pills;
• 546 grams of cocaine;
• 305 grams of methamphetamine;
• 20.9 kilograms of marijuana;
• 4.5 kilograms of cannabis resin;
• 9 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 1,605 tabs of LSD;
• 1,575 Xanax pills;

ALERT seized $120,000 cash proceeds of crime and four vehicles, including a Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Ram, Audi A4, and Chevrolet Impala. The combined value of the vehicles is an estimated $140,000 and they will be referred to civil forfeiture.

ALERT’s investigation began in December 2016 when they received information concerning a group of suspected drug dealers operating in Lethbridge. On February 11 a vehicle was stopped on Highway 3, just outside of the city, which was allegedly returning from the B.C. lower mainland. A search of the vehicle found four kilograms of cannabis resin stashed inside a hidden compartment.

Following the traffic stop, search warrants were then conducted at four homes, located in the 200-block of Ryerson Road West, 200-block of Lasalle Terrace West, 0-block of Modesto Road West, and 800-block of 11 Street North.

Three people have been charged with 23 offences so far, but ALERT’s investigation is on-going:

• Drew Boake, 27 is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 8) and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Alexander Herbert, 29, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 10) and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Katlyn Robinson, 23 is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2) and possession of proceeds of crime.

Boake, Herbert, and Robinson remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on February 15.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.