Drug Bust -- LNN

By Justin Goulet

Nearly a quarter of a million dollars in drugs, cash and vehicles seized in ALERT bust

Jan 28, 2021 | 9:11 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Five people face a total of 19 charges after a major drug and weapons bust in Lethbridge.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team says 10 firearms and nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth in drugs, cash, and vehicles were seized after a series of search warrants in the city.

ALERT raided five homes and arrested five suspected drug dealers. The homes were searched on January 21 by ALERT and Lethbridge Police.

“Organized crime harms our communities, and drug trafficking breeds violence, addiction, and ancillary crimes. This investigation is further testament to ALERT’s success in working alongside our partner agencies to disrupt and dismantle organized crime,” said Supt. Dwayne Lakusta, ALERT CEO.

ALERT believes the group was supplying drugs around Lethbridge and in surrounding communities.

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The initial investigation started in March 2020 and ended with the simultaneous searches of homes in the Lethbridge neighbourhoods of Sixmile, Uplands, The Crossings, Legacy Ridge, and Fairmont.

In total, ALERT seized:

• 10 firearms
• 306 grams of cocaine
• 39 grams of ketamine
• 188 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
• 36 millilitres of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
• 826 tabs of LSD
• Four vehicles
• $159,000 in cash

ALERT noted that the seized firearms, which included a prohibited handgun, two shotguns and seven rifles, will be subject to forensic analysis. The cash and vehicles will be submitted to the provincial civil forfeiture office for review.

The five suspects face 19 charges related to drug and firearms offences:

• 32-year-old Kevin Coady
• 26-year-old Kristopher Hironaka
• 29-year-old Josh Barreira
• 25-year-old Thane Dahlseide
• 25-year-old Willie Tailfeathers

All five men are from Lethbridge.

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).