Drugs and guns seized in southern Alberta raids

Police say co-ordinated crackdown strikes a blow against narcotics rings

Police have seized a major haul of drugs and guns in a series of raids across southern Alberta that they say disrupted two narcotics rings.

Separate investigations by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) in Lethbridge, Coaldale and Fort Macleod were launched last week over community concerns about drug dealing.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team worked in conjunction with police services in the three communities to stage the raids that took place last Wednesday and Friday.

Staff Sgt. Jason Walper with ALERT said the raids struck a blow to drug trafficking in the region.

“Organized crime and drug trafficking impact all of our communities, and these two investigations demonstrate ALERT’s ability to work collaboratively across the region,” he said.

A search of two homes in North Lethbridge and Coaldale turned up more than $55,000 worth of drugs, along with six rifles and a handgun. The drug haul included cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and illegal prescription pills.

Two days later, a search warrant on a home in Fort Macleod led to the seizure of $25,000 worth of drugs — including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana — as well as three rifles and a shotgun.

Three people have been charged in connection with the first two raids. Michael Monahan, 36, and Jamie Delafosse, 41, of Lethbridge, along with 26-year-old Jordan Wensmann of Coaldale, are charged with possession with the purpose of trafficking. Monahan is also charged with fleeing from police.

The second investigation saw Dean Jordan, 47, and Elaine Reid, 39, both of Fort Macleod, charged with several trafficking and firearms offences, as well as possession of stolen goods.

People who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call their local police force or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.