SCAN unit shuts down suspected drug house at 82 Assiniboia Way

By Lara Fominoff

Third Lethbridge drug house in one year shut down by Alberta Sheriffs’ SCAN unit

Jan 7, 2020 | 3:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Safer Communities and Neighborhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs has shut down another Lethbridge drug house- this time on the city’s west side. The home, located on Assiniboia Way, has been investigated on and off since March 2018 after dozens of complaints were made to police.

Inspector Mike Letourneau with the Sheriff’s branch says it was the third community safety order granted in 2019 in Lethbridge which he says is ‘extraordinary.’

“Extraordinary in a sense that it’s a high volume of community safety order closures in a city like Lethbridge. So, just to give you an idea, in southern Alberta we’ve had a total of five community safety orders in 2019… and three of them were in Lethbridge.”

He says SCAN is currently investigating close to 50 complaints about homes throughout the city.

Criminal activity at the latest property was a big concern for Lethbridge Police, says Letourneau, with nearly 60 calls for service there between Jan. 2017 and Oct. 2018. Incidents reported included a home invasion, property damage, and open drug use on the property involving needles. Some resients were so afraid and tired of dealing with the issues at the home, they even moved away from the area.

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“Neighbors were putting cameras up and were extremely concerned for their safety. There’s been some extreme measures taken where neighbors have moved, quite frankly. Two of our complainants had to disappear out of the area because, quite frankly, they couldn’t live with the volume of traffic that was coming to this property.”

Lethbridge Police executed three search warrants on the home over the last year, and seized large amounts of methamphetamine, carfentanil, cocaine, a stolen handgun, stolen bikes, lock picks, cash, scales and other items in July 2019. The home owner was charged in Dec. 2019 with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Letourneau says in addition to barring anyone from entering the property until April 6, 2020, strict conditions are also in place until Dec. 17. 2021.

Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman has been calling on the province to fund and establish a permanent SCAN unit in Lethbridge, given the high number of suspected drug houses in the city. Letourneau agreed it would be beneficial.

“They’re busy here. Lethbridge Police Service members are passionate about what they do here and they’re good at it. So, the addition of a SCAN unit in Lethbridge would be a great addition to this community.”