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200 weapons, $20,000 in drugs

Lethbridge drug bust uncovers one of ALERT’s largest weapons seizures

Jul 30, 2026 | 12:22 PM

A massive cache of firearms, knives and other weapons has been seized from a Lethbridge home following a drug trafficking investigation, with Alberta law enforcement officers calling it one of the largest weapons seizures in the history of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams.

Investigators recovered 23 firearms, about 170 knives and edged weapons, 12 prohibited weapons, more than 4,700 rounds of ammunition, two body armour vests and about $20,000 worth of drugs during the July 15 search of a home in the 2000 block of 7 Avenue N.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams’ organized crime unit carried out the search warrant with assistance from the Lethbridge Police Service after an investigation into suspected drug trafficking that began in June.

Police said investigators believe many of the weapons were being traded for drugs.

Among the firearms seized were 19 rifles, three shotguns, one pistol and nine replica firearms.

Officers also recovered prohibited weapons, including switchblades, collapsible batons, brass knuckles and nunchakus, along with swords and claw-style weapons resembling those used by the fictional horror character Freddy Krueger.

None of the firearms has been legally possessed, according to the police.

ALERT is working with the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team to trace their origins, with investigators confirming that one firearm had previously been reported stolen in Brooks.


(Image Credit: Courtesy/ALERT)

(Image Credit: Courtesy/ALERT)

The drug seizure included 53 grams of cocaine, 41 grams of methamphetamine, 538 fentanyl and oxycodone pills, 113 LSD tabs, 20 cartons of contraband tobacco products and $13,649 in cash.

“The drug trade is inherently violent and unpredictable. A huge weapons cache such as this demonstrates an unwelcome danger to our community,” Staff Sgt. Trevor Sheppard of ALERT said in a news release.


(Image Credit: Courtesy/ALERT)

Forty-seven-year-old Louise Sansome has been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, unlawful possession of body armour, offences under the Tobacco and Smoking Reduction Act and numerous firearms-related offences.

Officers said Sansome is subject to a lifetime firearms prohibition as a result of previous convictions.

Fifty-six-year-old Terry Adamson has been charged with possession of drugs.

Both accused were arrested when officers executed the search warrant.

ALERT is encouraging anyone with information about suspected drug or gang activity to contact their local police service. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers.

– ALERT YouTube, Weapons Seizure and Drug Bust