Two facing charges after ALERT bust released on bail

Two of three people arrested during a drug bust on the northside Monday have been released from custody.

Daylan Strembesky and Billie-Anne Paulette were released on $3,000 and $2,000 no-cash bail, respectively, following their bail hearings in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday. The accused were also ordered to remain in Alberta, report weekly to police, obey a curfew every day from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and avoid contact with each other. Strembesky was also ordered to live at a specific northside residence, while Paulette will reside in Coaldale.

Strembesky, 34, is charged with single counts of drug possession and drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and eight firearms-related offences. Paulette, 30, is charged with drug possession and drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, and six firearms-related offences.

A third individual, 20-year-old Pedro Friesen of Taber, was charged with resisting arrest. He is also wanted on several outstanding warrants.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team, with help from the Lethbridge Police Service, searched a home in the 400 block of 20 Street North, less than a block away from an elementary school.

Officers found drug trafficking paraphernalia, along with small quantities of methamphetamine, cannabis and unknown pills. The unknown pills have been sent to Health Canada laboratories for analysis.

A loaded .32-calibre handgun and various types of ammunition, as well as replica handguns and edged weapons were also seized.

ALERT will conduct a follow-up investigation with the RCMP’s national weapons enforcement support team to determine the origin of the firearm.

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). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.