Two people charged in downtown drug trafficking activity

LETHBRIDGE —  An ongoing operation to target drug trafficking in the downtown core, has resulted in charges against two Southern Albertans.
 
Last Thursday, March 21, the Downtown Policing Unit witnessed multiple drug transactions between the 900 and 1100 blocks of 1 Avenue South.
 
Police confronted those involved.   In one instance the female driver of a vehicle was seen conducting several drug transactions downtown and then went to two west side homes.
 
During a  traffic stop at a west side gas station, a woman attempted to run from police and throw away her purse. She was apprehended and a search of the purse and her vehicle resulted in the seizure of 12 doses of methamphetamine, 14 doses of purple heroin, a small quantity of psilocybin, drug paraphernalia including a digital scale and a cell phone that was constantly receiving messages regarding the purchase of heroin, as well as more than $800 in cash.

Misty Rae Melnychuk, aged 34, of Raymond, faces 12 charges, including two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (meth and heroin), possession of a controlled substance (psilocybin), resisting arrest, driving while prohibited, possession of the proceeds of crime and six counts of breach of a recognizance stemming from previous drug charges.

Melnychuk is remanded to appear in court April 8.

Stacey Royce Lyons, aged 47, of Coaldale, is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl).