Suspected carfentanil seized in ALERT arrest

A Lethbridge woman arrested in connection with a drug bust in Claresholm earlier in the week has been released from custody.

Samantha Rae Hattersley was released Friday on $250 bail and conditions that she behave herself, attend court when required and not possess any firearms or other weapons.

The 27-year-old woman, who appeared in court by closed-circuit TV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

The charges stem from an incident Wednesday in which ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team arrested a woman outside a business in Claresholm.

During the arrest, investigators seized a total of 114.5 grams of powder they suspect may contain carfentanil, a drug that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

“This is the first time ALERT has seized such a large amount of what could be carfentanil in the Lethbridge area, and it’s very troubling to see it turn up,” Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT said Friday in a news release. “This is an extremely dangerous drug; even a tiny amount can be lethal. People need to be aware that it is present here and the damage it can do to the community.”

The exact contents of the powder will be confirmed through laboratory testing. ALERT investigators also seized during the arrest a small amount of another unknown powder and a set of brass knuckles.

The drugs are estimated to be worth $45,800.

Anyone who suspects drug or gang activity can call local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta government, and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of ALERT comprise the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP.