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By LNN Staff

12 Street South

Sheriffs shut down Lethbridge drug house

Oct 29, 2025 | 2:24 PM

Alberta Sheriffs have closed a problem property where criminal activity prompted more than 60 calls to police since 2021.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the property owner of 1025 12 Street South. Officials say the property will be closed for 90 days, beginning on Oct. 29 at noon. All individuals must vacate the premises, including the property owner.

Government officials say the community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars all people from the property until the closure period ends on Jan. 26, 2026, and prohibits certain individuals from accessing the property altogether, while the order is in place.

According to the province, the property will be boarded up, fenced and all the locks will be changed. Officials say SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing. Community safety order conditions remain in effect until Jan. 26, 2028.

“SCAN is uprooting a source of disruption in the community and doing right by its residents who have endured ongoing chaos associated with this property,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, in a press release. “My thanks go out to members of the SCAN unit and the Lethbridge Police Service whose tireless investigations are restoring peace to this neighbourhood. Today’s closure once again goes to show that Albertans won’t stand idly by as dangerous illegal activity in their area threatens the safety and well-being of the community.”

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“SCAN’s close working relationship with the Lethbridge Police Service has delivered yet another win for a local community living in fear,” added Brent Pickard, inspector, SCAN. “Today’s success again goes to show SCAN’s important role in helping to drive the investigations that help close these problem properties. The vigilance of residents is key in these situations, and I commend those neighbours who have reported the disturbance and dangerous activity they’ve seen at and around this property.”

“This closure represents more than just the end of criminal activity at a single address – it’s a step toward restoring a sense of safety and trust in the neighbourhood,” explained Shahin Mehdizadeh, chief, Lethbridge Police Service. “The Lethbridge Police Service remains dedicated to working alongside the Alberta Sheriffs and our community partners to ensure residents feel secure in their homes and confident that their concerns are being heard. Together, we’re building stronger, safer communities for all.”

Government officials note the Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Since its inception in 2008, the province says Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 10,000 properties and has issued more than 140 community safety orders. Officials say most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.

Alberta government quick facts

• Since June 2021, the Lethbridge Police Service has received 60 calls for service to the property.
• Complainants have consistently reported fights and disorder (including an assault with a weapon) at the property.
• Throughout its investigation, SCAN has observed activity consistent with illegal drug trafficking and abuse occurring at the property.