Some of the items seized during ALERT's Project Leadline investigation. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Major organized crime bust made in southern Alberta

Jun 19, 2025 | 2:04 PM

Millions of dollars worth of property have been seized and nine people have been charged in southern Alberta.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) has announced the conclusion of Project Leadline, a two-year organized crime and money laundering investigation in Taber, Lethbridge, and Coalhurst.

Nine people have been charged, including those who ALERT says formed the criminal organization’s alleged leadership. They face a combined 63 charges related to participation in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and money laundering.

Officers searched three homes in Taber on April 29, 2025, and a series of arrests took place on that date.

ALERT says members of the drug trafficking trade had reinvested their money into real estate. The estimated value of the seven seized properties was over $2.5 million. They also restrained eight bank accounts that were reportedly linked to the group’s criminal proceeds of crime.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Drugs seized at the homes are said to be worth more than $500,000.

The full list of seized items includes:

• Two firearms
• 5,088 grams of cocaine
• 1,132 grams of a suspected cocaine buffing agent
• 22 grams of fentanyl
• 253 grams of methamphetamine
• 500 methamphetamine pills
• 1,000 milliliters of GHB
• $91,941 cash

Four people have been arrested:

• Duc Vo, 47, of Lethbridge
• Nga (Linda) Vo, 45, of Lethbridge
• Chantal Bareman, 40, of Taber
• Ryden Melhalf, 20, of Taber

Warrants have been issued for five suspects:

• Johan Braun-Suderman, 38, of Taber
• Kade Phillips, 36, of Taber
• Gerhard Wolf, 38, of Taber
• Malachy Young, 23, of Taber
• A 19-year-old, who has been charged as a young offender

Anyone who suspects drug or gang activities in their community is urged to phone their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Some of the items seized during ALERT’s Project Leadline investigation. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Some of the items seized during ALERT’s Project Leadline investigation. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)