Attempted break-in suspect granted bail

A Lethbridge man accused of trying to break into a westside apartment last month where police seized a large quantity of drugs has been released from custody.

Mason Cranston was released Wednesday following a brief hearing in Lethbridge provincial court. However, the accused, who appeared by closed-circuit TV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, must come up with $500 bail first.

Cranston is charged with an attempted break-in and possession of break-in tools. Police earlier reported a man and woman attempted to break into an apartment suite in which police had found a large quantity of fentanyl pills.

The search was the result of a traffic stop May 17 in which police arrested two men after receiving information about suspected fentanyl trafficking. Officers then obtained warrants to search the westside apartment where one of the men lived. During the search police found and seized 400 fentanyl pills. Police also searched a vehicle and seized cellphones, a small amount of cash and an additional fentanyl pill.

One of the men dealt with several charges last week and was sentenced to four and a half years in a federal prison. The other man is still dealing with his charge.

In addition to his bail amount, Cranston, 34, has been ordered to live with his mother in Taber, and he must observe a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. He must also avoid contact with a co-accused, Lindsay Ito, who is charged with the attempted break-in and breach of recognizance. Ito, 40, is scheduled to be in court today. Cranston returns to court June 29.