Two men facing drug charges

Lethbridge Police have charged two men following an investigation into drug trafficking activity.

In early June members of the Crime Suppression Team and Patrols began a short-term investigation that was concluded June 18, when search warrants were obtained and executed at residences along the 900 block of 8 Street North and 200 block of 13 Street North.

A male associated to the homes was arrested along with a male acquaintance while the pair were socializing at a local business. During a search of a backpack incidental to arrest, police seized $12,000 cash, which was divided into bundles, two VLT cash out tickets totalling just over $1,300, small quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and drug paraphernalia including a cellphone, scale and packaging.

The acquaintance was found in possession of a small quantity of cocaine. At the 8 Street North property police seized suspected stolen property — tools, a can of bear spray, drug paraphernalia, an unknown white powder, $400 cash, 91.5 tablets of suspected MDMA and a ring. The 13 Street North property was found to have been cleaned out.

Mark Anthony Brown, 50, of Lethbridge, is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of a weapon while prohibited, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000. Brown was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 1.

Peter Conrad Bissonette, 47, of Lethbridge, is charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was released from custody to appear in court Oct. 1.