Lethbridge police executed 128 outstanding arrest warrants and laid 10 criminal charges during a targeted enforcement project in the city.
The Lethbridge Police Service said the Sept. 8 operation involved officers working with the Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Unit in the downtown core and surrounding areas.
According to officials, the project also addressed nearly 30 incidents of open drug use, resulted in multiple arrests for drug possession and led to the seizure of several weapons from tents, including bear spray and knives. Officers and sheriffs also had more than 15 interactions with community members and businesses.
During the operation, a Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods officer reportedly saw a man behind a downtown business engaged in activity consistent with drug trafficking. Lethbridge police responded and further investigation confirmed the interaction was related to alleged drug trafficking.
A 46-year-old man from Barons, Alta., faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for breach of probation.
Police said the man was remanded into custody following a judicial interim release hearing and was scheduled to appear in court later that week.
Police said the operation was intended to combine enforcement with outreach and work with community partners to address crime and disorder in the downtown area.
LPS said its CompStat system uses crime data to identify patterns, areas requiring additional resources and prolific offenders.
Police urged residents to report suspicious or criminal activity to the service’s non-emergency line at 403-328-4444.
