Lethbridge… Four people were arrested in a Lethbridge drug bust with ALERT seizing an estimated $55,000 worth of drugs and a vehicle.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team concluded a short-term investigation on February 20, 2017 with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP. A Nissan Rogue loaded with drugs was intercepted en route to Lethbridge, and a local home was searched.

ALERT alleges that the Nissan Rogue, being driven by James Shaw, was being used to courier drugs from Calgary to Lethbridge. The vehicle was stopped just west of the city on Highway 3. The Nissan Rogue will be referred to civil forfeiture.

Following the traffic stop, a home in the 1600-block of St. George Road North was searched and additional drugs were seized.

The totality of the drugs seized from the vehicle and home are worth an estimated $55,000, and include:

• 261 grams of methamphetamine;
• 57 grams of cocaine;
• 1.6 kilograms of marijuana;
• 76 grams of cannabis resin;
• 15 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 9 grams of heroin;
• $2,555 cash proceeds of crime.

Four people were arrested and face a total of 15 drug-related charges:

• James Shaw, a 38-year-old man from Lethbridge;
• Jadeyn Van Robaeys, a 20-year-old woman from Shaughnessy;
• Sharon Voyko, a 25-year-old woman from Lethbridge;
• Katlyn Miller, a 22-year-old woman from Penticton, B.C.

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 Lethbridge teacher at École La Vérendrye has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation team.

The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) team arrested Dwayne Schnell on February 22, 2017 with the assistance of Lethbridge Police Service. The 37-year-old man teaches grades 7-12 at the Lethbridge French language school École La Vérendrye.

Schnell is charged with possession, accessing, and distributing child pornography. A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from his Lethbridge home and will be subject of forensic examination.

ICE’s investigation remains on-going and additional charges are being contemplated. Anyone with information or concerns about this investigation is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

The investigation began in January 2017 when ICE received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) concerning a social media user uploading child sexual exploitation materials. ICE conducted an investigation to identify the user, and only recently learned the suspect was a teacher.

Schnell is expected to appear in court on February 23.

ICE is an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Police, Calgary Police, Medicine Hat Police, and RCMP members, and 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.

Lethbridge… More than $55,000 worth of drugs and 11 firearms have been seized following two separate ALERT investigations last week. Homes were searched in Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Fort MacLeod.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang teams worked with officers from Lethbridge Police Service, Coaldale RCMP and Fort MacLeod RCMP on the investigations. The two investigations were unrelated but both focused on addressing community concerns related to drug dealing.

“Organized crime and drug trafficking impact all of our communities and these two investigations demonstrate ALERT’s ability to work collaboratively across the region,” said ALERT Staff Sgt. Jason Walper.

On March 15, ALERT seized $30,000 worth of drugs and seven firearms after searching homes in North Lethbridge and Coaldale. The following items were seized:

• Six rifles;
• Handgun;
• 205 grams of cocaine;
• 59 grams of methamphetamine;
• 31 grams of marijuana;
• 14 illicit prescription pills;

As the result of the investigation three people charged:

• Michael Monahan, 36-year-old man from Lethbridge, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2) and flight from police;
• Jordan Wensmann, 26-year-old man from Coaldale, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2) and driving while suspended;
• Jamie Delafosse, 41-year-old man from Lethbridge, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

On March 17, more than $25,000 worth of drugs and four firearms were seized. A home in Fort MacLeod was searched and the following items were located:

• Three rifles;
• Shotgun;
• 222 grams of cocaine;
• 3 grams of heroin;
• 22 grams of methamphetamine;
• 9 grams of marijuana;

Two people were charged in the investigation:

• Dean Jordan, 47-year-old man from Fort MacLeod, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 3), careless storage of a firearm (x3), knowingly possess an unauthorized firearm (x 4), and possession of property obtained by crime.
• Elaine Reid, 39-year-old woman from Fort MacLeod, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 3), careless storage of a firearm (x3), knowingly possess an unauthorized firearm (x 4), and possession of property obtained by 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.

Edmonton… Inspector Chad Coles of the RCMP has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ALERT. Coles will be the officer in charge of the provincially funded, integrated unit that addresses organized and serious crime across Alberta.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources, including officers with Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP. ALERT’s integrated teams investigate everything from drug trafficking to child exploitation to gang violence.

“I’d like to congratulate Insp. Chad Coles on his appointment of Chief Executive Officer of ALERT. His career leading organized crime teams throughout the province, as well as more than two decades with the RCMP, will enable him to lead this vital team of specialized units. The valuable work ALERT does is an integral part of ensuring the safety of all Albertans,” said Kathleen Ganley, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

Coles has been with ALERT since 2015 and oversaw the regional organized crime teams based in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer. His appointment was made official at the ALERT Board of Directors meeting in March.

“On behalf of the ALERT Board of Directors, I wish to congratulate Insp. Coles. I know he will continue to grow ALERT, expand on the strong relationships with our policing partners, and build upon the legacy left behind by Supt. Charmaine Bulger,” said Board chair Don Johnson.

Coles is a 21-year member of the RCMP with a third of his career spent as a member of integrated units. Prior to ALERT, Coles was a member of Saskatchewan’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement unit and spent time in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Nipawin, and Cumberland House. Coles grew up in Moose Jaw.

Coles replaces Superintendent Charmaine Bulger, who recently retired after 35 year career with the RCMP.

Since being formed in 2006, ALERT teams from across the province have made nearly 10,000 arrests, seized $595 million worth of harmful drugs, and have taken 1,200 firearms out of the hands of criminals.

-30-

Notice to media: High-resolution photos of Insp. Coles are available for download: Horizontal | Vertical

Lethbridge… Five Lethbridge residents have been charged under Alberta’s Drug Endangered Children’s Act after ALERT seized nearly $100,000 worth of drugs and cash from two homes.

 On May 5, 2017, with the help of Lethbridge Police Service members, ALERT’s organized crime and drug unit in Lethbridge executed four search warrants on vehicles and homes in West Lethbridge to conclude an investigation that began in late 2016.

ALERT seized:

• more than 100 grams of cocaine;
• 993 grams of a cocaine cutting agent;
• $77,000 cash proceeds of crime;
• Two vehicles and a bicycle.

When the search warrants were executed, young children were found living in both homes. Child and Family Services are providing assistance with the investigation.

“Anytime we find children, especially of a young age, in residences where there’s drug trafficking or consumption, it’s a grave concern,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our communities are safe and children are taken care of.”

Walper adds that seizing the proceeds of crime from suspected drug dealers is just as important as seizing actual drugs. “Cash is what drug dealers are going to use to go buy more product,” he says. “Being able to intercept the cash prior to them reintroducing that into the economy is good for us, and it certainly puts a dent their ability to fund their criminal activities.”

A 33-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman have each been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime (x2). Another man, 28, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a controlled substance.

Those three people, plus two others – a 19-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man – have all been charged under the Drug Endangered Children Act. The names of those arrested are not being released to protect the identities of the children involved.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of items seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… The execution of a search warrant at a west Lethbridge apartment has resulted in the seizure of 400 fentanyl pills and two people being arrested on drug-related charges.

On May 17, 2017, ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team arrested two men in a vehicle after receiving information about suspected fentanyl trafficking. They then obtained warrants to search the westside apartment where one of the men lived.

When the warrants were executed, 400 fentanyl pills were seized. The vehicle in which the two men were arrested earlier in the day was also searched, and police seized cellphones, a small amount of cash and an additional fentanyl pill.

“This is one of the largest seizures of fentanyl we’ve had in Lethbridge,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “Given the significant public safety risk this drug poses, it’s very satisfying to get this many pills off our streets.”

Luke Tams, a 27-year-old man, has been charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime, resisting arrest and breach of recognizance. Ryan Toner, a 33-year-old man, has been charged with possession of fentanyl.

Meanwhile, two people were arrested after attempting to break into the suite where the warrants were executed. Mason Cranston, a 34-year-old man, has been charged with attempted break-and-enter and possession of break-in instruments. Lindsay Ito, a 40-year-old woman, has been charged with attempted break-and-enter and breach of recognizance.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: Photos of the goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… A Cardston, Alta. gun store has been searched by ALERT following an investigation into firearms trafficking. The entire store’s firearms inventory of 1,000 guns and one million rounds of ammunition was seized.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) conducted a five-month investigation into K&D Implements, which resulted in a search warrant being executed on May 29, 2017. K&D Implements was searched with the assistance of Cardston RCMP and Lethbridge Police Service, and two of the store’s owners were arrested.

ALERT alleges that K&D Implements was selling firearms and ammunition illegally. The store owners are accused of failing to ensure that firearms purchasers provided valid Possession Acquisition Licenses (PAL), hence constituting the charge of firearms trafficking.

“This gun store needlessly put public safety at risk by allowing conceivably anyone to acquire guns. We would be naïve to believe that this was not exploited by organized crime and the criminal element,” said ALERT Lethbridge Staff Sgt. Jason Walper.

Over the course of ALERT’s investigation a variety of specialized techniques and resources were used to support these allegations. Investigators allege that these offences took place on a number of occasions.

Given the severity of the allegations against the gun store and the associated public safety risks, the entire store’s inventory was seized. NWEST will conduct further analysis on the items seized, which includes:

• Over 1 million rounds of ammunition;
• 49 handguns;
• 972 long guns;
• 270 kilograms of gun powder;
• 446 kilograms of Tannerite, a binary explosive material;
• 12,000 firearm primers.

Dean Sommerfeldt, 58, Todd Sommerfeldt, 31 have been jointly charged with trafficking a firearm, possession of weapons for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a restricted weapon, and transfer of a weapon and/or ammunition without authority.

Both men were released from custody on a number of court imposed conditions, including not to possess ay firearms.

“This case was much like many others in that a small piece of information, gathered in the day to day duties of our general duty members, lit the fuse to spark a much larger investigation. I am proud of the work done by our RCMP officers in the communities around the province every day,” said Supt. Garrett Woolsey, RCMP.

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… An investigation by ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang unit has resulted in the arrest of four people – including one who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant – and the seizure of firearms and drugs.

The arrests were made on June 28 and 29, 2017, with the assistance of the Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP Coaldale. Three people were arrested by way of a traffic stop in Lethbridge. Inside the vehicle, investigators found an assortment of drugs and cash proceeds of crime.

ALERT then executed a search warrant at a home in Coaldale, where a fourth suspect was arrested. There, investigators seized six firearms in total, including two 12-gauge sawed-off shotguns and one .22-calibre rifle that were found loaded and unsafely stored. They also seized quantities of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms, as well as cellphones and other drug paraphernalia.

“Organized crime, specifically drug traffickers, use firearms and other weapons to protect themselves and their drug supply from other criminals, and for acts of intimidation and violence,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “Any time police locate firearms – especially loaded firearms – during the execution of their duties, it increases the risk to police, the community and the individuals involved.”

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $2,600. They include:

• 20 grams of cocaine;
• Six fentanyl pills;
• Two grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• Eight Oxycocet pills;
• Six Oxycodone pills;
• 4.8 grams of marijuana.

More than $10,000 in cash proceeds of crime was also seized.

Shane Journoud, a 27-year-old man, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant after violating the conditions of his parole. He has been charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of a controlled substance (x5);
• Careless storage of a firearm (x3);
• Possession of a loaded firearm (x2);
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public (x3);
• Possession of a prohibited firearm (x3);
• Knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm (x2); and
• Possession of proceeds of crime.

Rikki Peters, a 22-year-old woman, has been charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance (x3);
• Careless storage of a firearm (x3);
• Possession of a loaded firearm (x2);
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public (x3); and
• Possession of a prohibited firearm (x3).

Roy Nickel, 55, and Misty Helgeson, 44, were each charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected to be laid.

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 the  Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP work in ALERT.

-30-

Notice to media: A photo of goods seized during this investigation is available for download by clicking here.

Lethbridge… A joint investigation between ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit, Blood Tribe Police, and Lethbridge Police has resulted in the arrest of a 20-year old man for numerous criminal offences.

Skylar Pantherbone was arrested on August 17, 2017 following allegations he lured and sextorted an underage victim. He was arrested at a Blood Tribe First Nations home where a number of drugs and weapons were also seized.

Pantherbone is accused of hacking into a Lethbridge teen’s social media account and accessing private photos to sextort her. The victim disclosed these offences to a Lethbridge Police School Resource Officer in March 2017, which prompted ICE’s involvement in the investigation.

The accused and victim were not known to each other. ICE managed to track the hacker’s location, which also eventually led to his identification.

The search of the suspect’s home led to the seizure of a number of electronic devices seized, which will be subject to further forensic analysis. Blood Tribe Police’s Crime Reduction Unit provided assistance after a quantity of illicit pills, including suspected fentanyl and oxycodone, were found along with proceeds of crime and weapons.

The charges against Pantherbone include:

• Child luring;
• Extortion;
• Accessing child pornography;
• Possessing child pornography;
• Distributing child pornography;
• Breach of recognizance (x 3);
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Possession of weapon dangerous to the public;
• Drug trafficking;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Obstructing a peace officer.

Pantherbone’s breach charges are related to a previous ICE investigation where he was arrested in September 2016 for similar offences.

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

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… ALERT investigators in Lethbridge arrested a young offender recently and charged him with a number of drug-related offences as part of an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the city.

The 17-year-old male, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested by ALERT teams on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, with the help of the Lethbridge Police Service.

At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of approximately $3,900 worth of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, cannabis resin and marijuana. He was also in possession of weapons including a baton and brass knuckles, cash, two cellphones and other drug paraphernalia.

“Drug trafficking continues to be a problem for communities across Alberta, and Lethbridge is no exception,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “Every seizure we make plays a part in making our streets safer.”

The 17-year-old male has been charged with:

• trafficking a controlled substance;
• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3);
• possession of a controlled substance (x3);
• possession of a prohibited weapon; and
• possession of a dangerous weapon (x2).

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 the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

-30-

Notice to Media: A high-resolution photo of the goods seized is available for download: Photo

Lethbridge… A three-month investigation by ALERT teams in Lethbridge has resulted in the arrest of two Edmonton men and the seizure of more than $150,000 worth of crack cocaine.

The investigation began in July 2017 thanks to a tip from the public. On Wednesday, Sept. 27, ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team, with the assistance of the Lethbridge Police Service, arrested a 19-year-old man and searched a home in the 300-block of 13 Street South and a vehicle.

In total, investigators were able to seize more than 1.5 kilograms of crack cocaine, with the drugs already packaged for street-level sale. ALERT also seized cellphones, a small amount of marijuana, and more than $8,000 cash proceeds of crime.

“This is a significant seizure not only in terms of the amount of drugs seized, but also for the safety of the community,” says ALERT Lethbridge Staff Sgt. Jason Walper. “We’re confident that this operation has put a dent in Lethbridge’s drug trade, and ALERT and its partners here will continue to work to make further inroads.”

Abel Gebeyehu, 19, of Edmonton has been charged with one count each of: possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking; possession of marijuana; and possession of proceeds of crime.

Brandon Ferguson, 21, of Edmonton turned himself in to the Lethbridge Police Service on Tuesday, Oct. 3, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He has been charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking.

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 the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

-30-

Notice to media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… Two people have been arrested by ALERT after a shotgun and cocaine were seized as part of a Lethbridge drug trafficking investigation.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team made the seizure on October 19, 2017 when a home in the 1200-block of 6 Avenue South was searched. Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP investigators worked collaboratively on the case, which began earlier this month.

“This was a short-term investigation, but the significance cannot be underestimated for neighbouring residents. Drug trafficking brings unwanted crime, violence and threatens community safety,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT.

The search of the home netted a 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition, a total of 330 grams of cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and $4,815 cash proceeds of crime. The estimated value of the drugs seized is $33,000.

Franklin Rodriguez, 33, is charged with the following offences and is scheduled to appear in court on October 20, 2017:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Careless storage of a firearm;
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• Knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm.

Taylor Elzinga, a 28-year-old woman, is charged with drug possession. Her next scheduled court appearance is November 30, 2017.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3

Lethbridge… Following a joint investigation between ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit, Blood Tribe Police and Lethbridge Police, a 24-year-old man has been arrested for a number of child pornography offences.

Cody Wright was arrested on November 8, 2017 at a home on the Blood Tribe First Nation Reserve with the assistance of the Blood Tribe Police’s Crime Reduction unit. ICE also searched a Lethbridge home with the assistance of Lethbridge Police. A number of electronic devices were seized for full forensic analysis.

ICE alleges that Wright was uploading child pornography to a social media account. The investigation began in October 2017 after the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre shared information on the suspect.

Wright has been charged with possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography, as well as two counts of breach of recognizance. Wright’s breach charges are related to similar offences committed in November 2016.

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

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… An elementary school teacher in Brocket, Alta., has been charged with child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation by ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit.

Mark Anderson was arrested on January 11, 2018 with the assistance of Pincher Creek RCMP, Piikani Nation RCMP and Lethbridge Police. The 44-year-old man teaches at Brocket Elementary School and is also involved in various youth-oriented community programs on the Piikani Nation Reserve, such as minor sports and Scouts Canada.

Anderson is charged with possessing, accessing, and distributing child pornography.

While the investigation and charges are related to online offences, ICE is encouraging anyone with information about this case to come forward and contact police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local police or cybertip.ca.

A number of computers and electronic devices were seized from his Pincher Creek home and will be subject of forensic examination. Brocket is located in southwest Alberta, between Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.

The investigation began in July 2017 when ICE received a referral from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) concerning a social media user uploading child sexual exploitation materials. ICE conducted an investigation to identify the user, and only recently learned the suspect was a teacher.

Anderson is expected to appear in court on January 30, 2018.

ICE is an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Police, Calgary Police, Medicine Hat Police, and RCMP members, and 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.

Lethbridge… An SKS rifle and cocaine were seized from a suspected Lethbridge drug dealer following an investigation by ALERT.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team seized the drugs and firearm from a north Lethbridge home on January 17, 2018. The Lethbridge Police Service provided assistance with the search warrant execution and the arrest of suspected drug dealer Tyson Shiels.

ALERT seized 138 grams of cocaine, 2.5 grams of cannabis, and several unknown pills. The drugs were seized alongside an SKS rifle and ammunition, which the suspect did not lawfully possess.

“Taking a gun off the streets, and out of the hands of an alleged drug dealer, goes a long way towards ensuring our neighbourhoods remain safe,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT.

ALERT also seized $16,580 cash proceeds of crime and a 2016 Dodge pick-up truck. Both the cash and vehicle will be submitted to Alberta’s civil forfeiture office for review.

Shiels, 26, has been charged with:

• possession for the purpose of trafficking;
• possession of proceeds of crime;
• unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• careless storage of a firearm;
• careless storage of ammunition; and
• drug possession.

ALERT’s investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges are possible.

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.

-30-

Notice to media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3

Lethbridge… ALERT is urging caution after a significant amount of what is believed to be a powerful opioid was seized in a bust in southern Alberta. One person was arrested.

On February 7, 2018, ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team arrested Samantha Hattersley, 27, of Lethbridge outside a business in Claresholm, Alta. During the arrest, investigators seized a total of 114.5 grams of powder that they suspect could contain carfentanil, a drug that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

“This is the first time ALERT has seized such a large amount of what could be carfentanil in the Lethbridge area, and it’s very troubling to see it turn up,” says Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “This is an extremely dangerous drug; even a tiny amount can be lethal. People need to be aware that it is present here and the damage it can do to the community.”

The exact contents of the seized powder will be confirmed through laboratory testing. ALERT investigators also seized a small amount of another unknown powder during the arrest, as well as a set of brass knuckles. The total estimated value of the drugs seized is $45,800.

Hattersley has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon.

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 the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

-30-

Notice to Media: Photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… Three people were arrested and a loaded handgun was seized from a Lethbridge home that has caused neighbourhood concerns about drug activity.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team searched the home on February 26, 2018, with help from the Lethbridge Police Service. Located in the 400-block of 20 Street North, the home is less than a block away from an elementary school, and first came to police attention in December 2017 for suspected drug dealing.

ALERT’s investigation found that two of the home’s occupants were allegedly dealing drugs. Drug trafficking paraphernalia was located during the search warrant, along with small quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis, and unknown pills.

The unknown pills were submitted to Health Canada laboratories for analysis.

A loaded .32-calibre handgun was seized with various types of ammunition. ALERT will conduct a follow-up investigation with the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team to determine the origins of the firearm. Other replica handguns and edged weapons were also seized.

Daylan Strembesky, a 34-year-old man from Lethbridge, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and eight firearms-related offences.

Billie-Anne Paulette, a 30-year-old woman from Lethbridge, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and six firearms-related offences.

Pedro Friesen, a 20-year-old man from Taber, was charged with resisting arrest and was also wanted on several outstanding warrants.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… An alleged member of the Mad Cowz gang has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking in Lethbridge and the Blood First Nation Reserve.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime and gang team arrested Corey Amyotte on February 28, 2018, along with four other suspects. The 33-year-old man from Manitoba is an alleged member of the Mad Cowz gang and information provided by Blood Tribe Police suggested he was involved in drug trafficking in the region.

“Timely intelligence sharing between our agencies was a key factor in making a quick arrest. Given the recent concerns related to fentanyl overdoes in both communities, we are not willing to take any chances and will aggressively pursue drug dealers,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper, ALERT Lethbridge.

Lethbridge Police Service helped execute the search warrants and make the arrests at a downtown hotel suite. Two vehicles were also searched, and one was seized as offence related property. Roughly $10,000 worth of drugs and cash was seized, including:

• 51 fentanyl pills;
• Half a gram of suspected carfentanil;
• 24 grams of crack cocaine;
• 23 grams of methamphetamine;
• 48 codeine pills;
• 3 oxycodone pills;
• 18 grams of a suspected buffing agent; and
• $1,875 cash proceeds of crime.

Amyotte has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance (x 2). Amyotte’s breach charges stem from a previous ALERT investigation in October 2016.

Four associates of Amyotte’s were arrested in the latest bust. They each face drug-related offences:

• Harmeet Singh Bhachu, a 24-year-old man from Calgary;
• Brittany Bird, a 25-year-old woman from Lethbridge;
• Tara Lynn Gearo, a 35-year-old woman from Calgary; and
• Coral Olivos, a 26-year-old woman from Calgary.

Bhachu was also found to have outstanding warrants issued by the Calgary Police Service.

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.

-30-

Notice to Media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Lethbridge… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a Lethbridge man with a number of sex offences allegedly committed against a 13-year-old girl.

Gary Lippa, 37, was arrested by the ICE Unit on February 22, 2018, at his Lethbridge home. A number of computers and electronic devices were seized.

Lethbridge Police and RCMP provided assistance on the investigation after information was received by police in September 2017. It was reported that the accused was allegedly engaged in sexualized online chats with an underage girl. ICE also believes that nude photos were being exchanged.

ALERT alleges that the suspect made deceptive arrangements to meet with the victim and enticed her away from her caregivers – actions that, under the Criminal Code of Canada, constitute abduction. When the two met in person, the girl was sexually assaulted.

Lippa is scheduled to appear in court on March 9, 2018, on the following charges:

• abduction;
• child luring (x 3);
• sexual assault;
• sexual interference;
• invitation to sexual touching;
• making child pornography;
• accessing child pornography; and
• possessing child pornography.

ICE is not aware of any other victims. However, anyone with information about this investigation or any child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact local police or www.cybertip.ca.

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… ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has arrested a man for allegedly filming adults and children inside the change room of a Lethbridge pool.

On March 22, 2018, the suspect was arrested at the University of Lethbridge’s Centre for Sport and Wellness. ICE investigators allege the 18-year-old man was filming inside the pool’s change room area while it was being used by a youth swim club. Swim club participants ranged in age from 5 to 18.

ICE was tipped off to the suspicious behavior by pool staff members and University of Lethbridge Security Services.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to make his first court appearance this afternoon. ICE’s investigation remains ongoing and investigators are recommending charges of voyeurism, possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, and making child pornography.

Part of the investigation included collecting evidence at the suspect’s home. A search warrant was executed in the early morning hours of March 23, 2018, with the help of the Lethbridge Police Service. A number of computers and electronic devices were seized for further forensic examination.

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

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.