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Two suspected drug dealers are in police custody after ALERT also recently seized $20,000 in drugs and a firearm.
ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime team made the seizure and arrests last week, after searching a home in the 300 block of 6A Avenue South. Lethbridge Police Service members provided assistance with the warrant execution, officials said Monday.
Inside the home, investigators say they located an assortment of drugs valued at $20,000, along with a .30-calibre rifle. Drugs and other items seized included: ammunition and magazines; 132 grams of methamphetamine; 16.3 grams of suspected carfentanil; 8.3 grams of cocaine; 21 codeine pills; four mL hydromorphone; and $3,875 cash proceeds of crime.
RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team provided assistance with the investigation and will continue to investigate the origins of the firearm, ALERT officials said. Neither of the suspects arrested possessed a valid firearms licence.
“A gun in the wrong hands is an obvious public safety concern,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper, ALERT Lethbridge, in a news release Monday. “This investigation came together quickly and we were also able to get some harmful drugs off the street,”
Joel Sovdi, 31, has been charged with: possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x5); possession of proceeds of crime; breach of recognizance (x4); and four firearms-related offences. Sovdi is prohibited from owning firearms as the result of a previous criminal investigation.
Jeremy Bertin, 37, has been charged with: possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3); possession of a controlled substance; possession of proceeds of crime; and three firearms-related offences.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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